IS THERE SPACE FOR RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN 2019?

IS THERE SPACE FOR RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN 2019?

It’s Australia 2019, we have come a long way in terms of acceptance and allowing space for everyone’s own opinion. But do you think there is space for religious discrimination in 2019? In the past 24 hours, Bec and I have had not one, but TWO different global brands, from different business sectors come back to us (after approaching us for a collaboration), and say that they didn’t want to pursue a working relationship because, in essence, we’re Christians.

Both Bec and I respect a brand or businesses decision to not pursue a working relationship with anyone who may directly contradict their own moral or core business values, however cannot for the life of us understand that if the above is not an issue, how our faith impacts our work and working relationships with brands. Alongside that, it makes less sense because the brand originally approached us to work together, so they should have already been aware of our platform and our beliefs before approaching us. How does our faith in Jesus impact the core values, beliefs or runnings of either of these global brands? And if we did have a working relationship with them, how that would negatively impact their business by being affiliated with us?

In the current Australian and global landscape of increasing inclusiveness, respect and tolerance we are honestly fed up with this attitude. This definitely isn’t the first time a brand doesn’t want to work with us based on our faith (and most likely wont be the last), how our question is HOW is this still acceptable?

If we were affiliated with any other minority (being of another faith, a part of the LGBIQT+ community, Feminist, Vegan, etc) we could only imagine the uproar if this happened, but why is it deemed okay just because we’re Christian? We cannot speak for other minorities and the prejudice that they go through (because all of us to do varying degrees), but we’re just disgusted that this is something that both brand we’re willing to put in writing as their reasoning to not work with us.

At the end of the day, our faith and the declaration of our faith is something that we’re not going to change, so where do we go from here? Is it the responsibility of brands so walk the walk and actually be inclusive, or is there still space for discrimination in 2019?

xx Marissa & Bec

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24 Comments

  1. A.mariah
    March 19, 2019 / 1:23 pm

    You hit the nail on the head when saying this – “If we were affiliated with any other minority (being of another faith, a part of the LGBIQT+ community, Feminist, Vegan, etc) we could only imagine the uproar if this happened, but why is it deemed okay just because we’re Christian?” You’re absolutely right!

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 19, 2019 / 1:25 pm

      Yep, totally agree – there is no sense in it.

  2. March 19, 2019 / 1:46 pm

    Totally on the same page as you guys! I’ve seen it happen many times where people get away with this attitude towards Christians but if it were any other group, there’d be serious consequences. I’m actually shocked like you said, that they put it in writing.
    I love you guys and the work that you do! There will always be people supporting you no matter what 🙂

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 1:12 pm

      Totally agree with you Emily! Thanks so much for your thoughtful response! Love xxx

  3. Laura J.
    March 19, 2019 / 2:23 pm

    Thanks so much for this! As a Christian I feel like everyone else has rights yet we get trampled over and silenced because we’re “conservative” or “old fashioned” (which you two totally prove wrong with your incred style btw) Thanks for being honest in your work journey, so inspiring, keep it up!

  4. March 19, 2019 / 2:34 pm

    Thanks so much for this! As a Christian I feel like we get trampled over because we’re too “conservative” or “old fashioned” (which you two totally prove wrong with your incred style btw) and under nearly any other banner that would have gone viral. Thanks for being honest in your work journey, so inspiring, keep it up!

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 12:58 pm

      Totally agree (say it louder for the people in the back!) Shame the world thinks Christianity isn’t cool, because MAN are they wrong.

  5. Ray
    March 19, 2019 / 2:41 pm

    I sincerely hope these brands did not come from an Islamic background and chose not to collaborate for that reason because that would be incredibly contradictable.

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 12:57 pm

      Definitely! In our understanding and research of both brands, neither have any public moral stance or viewpoint – so don’t understand their decision not to affiliate with anyone who DOES have a moral stance.

  6. M. Margarita
    March 19, 2019 / 3:29 pm

    What they did was completely unprofessional! In 2019 believing in ANY God is a human right and they should respect that! Your religion doesn’t make you more or less professional. It’s another part of your life that does effect your life as a whole but by simply adding some values in it and making you stronger. You know what? The way I see it they just lost a great cooperation!

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 12:56 pm

      Yep – definitely their loss, not ours! It’s just a shame to see that religion is now seen as such a deciding factor into working relationships, when in reality it doesn’t affect it what so ever!
      x

  7. D. :)
    March 19, 2019 / 3:37 pm

    This is incredibly disheartening and archaic of an organisation to have their decisions dictated based on someone’s faith. Instead, differences in religion, faith, beliefs, practices should be celebrated for their diversity! As a global brand, I can only imagine that they are hesitant to align themselves with religion altogether – which I don’t agree with, but can understand. It’s a shame that they do not see the value of projecting a diverse consumer regardless of religion, belief, or faith, because in reality that really IS a true reflection of their consumer base!

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 12:55 pm

      Yes, we totally hear you and agree with you! If the brand is attempting not to align themselves with anyone of any religious affiliation I think that they will be taking an uphill battle as there isn’t a black ‘v’ white mentality anymore. What if someone was really into New Age Spirituality/Crystals/etc , would that also count as an religious/spiritual affiliation? It’s a slippery slope that they really cannot monitor so pretty awkward if you ask us!
      x

  8. Sandi
    March 19, 2019 / 7:36 pm

    This is how minorities feel every day…

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 12:52 pm

      Absolutely! I wasn’t trying to diminish how minorities feel (as in Australia, Bec and I being Pentecostal, devout Christians – we are also a major faith minority), just posing the question that IF it’s okay in this day and age! xxx

  9. Raneen
    March 19, 2019 / 8:47 pm

    You’re absolutely right, makes zero sense whatsoever for them to change their mind based on your faith. Good on you two for sticking to what you know to be right.

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 12:51 pm

      Yes totally! Lucky we’re stubborn – haha!
      x

  10. Lina
    March 19, 2019 / 9:15 pm

    I feel for you Bella girls.. You should not have to hide or even defend your faith, it speaks volumes in your kindness and actions.. your content and relationship with each other as well as your followers is always pure, loving, kind and gentle.. I know IG is not real life, but for some reason your genuiness is constantly portrayed in your posts.. Jesus is always the answer, pray for those who persecute..
    stay blessed ❌⭕️

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 20, 2019 / 12:51 pm

      Thanks so much Lina. It means the world to us to have your support and love! xxx

  11. jenny smith
    April 10, 2019 / 2:10 am

    It is unfortunate but in this political climate people are very cautious and make weird decisions to protect their brand.

    I love both of your styles as you’re modernising Christian women and that is a massive accomplishment!!

    Keep the faith as it is their loss.

    xxx

  12. Ella
    November 10, 2019 / 4:19 am

    Late to this but felt I needed to reply! Being a Christian is not the same as being asian or black or any other ethnic minority.

    Inherently the issue is that Christianity (in my view) promotes judgment of others, these brands you discuss may not want to be associated with that!

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      November 25, 2019 / 9:46 am

      Hi Ella,

      Thanks for your reply! Actually, inherently Christianity and Jesus promotes the exact opposite to what you’re saying. The religious people judged, Jesus did not. And as a follower of Jesus and as we aim to live a life that reflects how He lived His we also don’t judge people. Your statement paints every Christian or (to what you’re referring to) religious person with the same brush – and that actually has nothing to do with Jesus or who God is at all. It’s what the world has interpreted God to be based on flawed people making poor judgements towards others.

      Should we be punished and discriminated against based on peoples incorrect interpretation of who God is? I don’t think so. Is it fair? No..is it a reality for most Christians who actually “get it” and know who Jesus really is? You bet..

      Thanks for your message, have the best day
      x

  13. Meg
    February 29, 2020 / 5:55 pm

    Late to this but I agree it’s strange these brands reached out to you to later retract the wish to collaborate/partner.

    However you mention that you can’t see how your faith impacts your work. The reality is that it does impact your work and I’m sure you agree there’s an overlap of how much we share on social media and then how that bleeds into our professional identity. If you choose to keep your faith seperate from your professional identity then it wouldn’t have been an issue, this however may be a decision you’d be not comfortable with as it wouldn’t feel authentic to your identity.

    As part of our journey to be our most authentic ourselves we must accept that not every person on earth will ‘tolerate’ or understand us. And not everyone sees Christianity through the same lense. Especially because people, minority groups in particular have been persecuted (despicably so) in its name.

    The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love, tolerance, humility and forgiveness. I encourage you to show a little more of the last too.

    • Bec Marissa
      Author
      March 4, 2020 / 2:06 pm

      Thank-you so much for taking the time out to reply to our post Meg – it’s so appreciated!

      We definitely agree, and think it’s just a shame that our faith somehow impacts our work negatively (when in reality it shouldn’t at all!)

      There is 100% no bitterness held towards the companies involved as since we’ve written this post both have turned back around, apologised and wanted to work with us! Apparently it was a judgement-call from a couple of employees who have since stopped working with the brand/s.

      Shame to see that brands aren’t being represented the way that they would like to be – but we understand that this issue is going to come up a lot moving forward so we need to be flexible and understanding!

      Have the best day xx

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