CHAPLAIN'S BLOG: Treating people with fairness and decency

“Bloomin’ political correctness gone mad!” someone will doubtless comment. But before they dismiss it, let’s get to the heart of what equality and diversity means.

To my mind it just means treating people fairly and decently.

The fact is that when I go anywhere this is all I want. Now it is easier for me because I am a white, middle-aged, heterosexual male, which usually means that I am treated well.

But why should it be any different, or any less, for others? Well, it shouldn’t be I know.

But you and I both know of people who, even in this day and age, have been turned down for a job because of their skin colour. Or who have been passed over for promotion, not because they are not the best candidate, but because of their gender or sexuality.

And in this blog I have written loads about those who are discriminated against because they happen to be Deaf, or of a particular age, or disabled in some way, or pregnant…and the list goes on and on.

And we know that equality and fairness is enshrined in UK law with the Equality Act, but still these things happen because the law is a blunt tool and doesn’t get to the heart of the matter.

And it is the heart, or better our attitudes which are the problem. The answer, of course, is to live with the ethic of reciprocity which features in most world religions.

For example, the Sermon on the Mount says “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

In other words treat people as you want to be treated yourself; with fairness and equity. Even this advice isn’t that simple and requires thought. But thankfully, in an age where harsh attitudes towards other people are becoming trendy, there are still those who advocate this philosophy.

So this week, across our hospitals,you will see local organisations which have a passion for standing up for others and know what it is like to walk in other people’s shoes.