Buttons below with 
expand when clicked
HomeAbout
UNISONContact
usEducationEqualitiesCampaignsInternational
Please note: all PDF files, and links to other sites, open in new browser windows
A UNISON application form can be downloaded
here
You need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer
to open PDF files. If you haven't, a free one can be obtained from Adobe
(Opens in new window) 
Diversity in Diction - Equality in Action
A Guide to the Appropriate Use of Language
6. Religion and Belief and Language
Being sensitive to fellow human beings is fundamental to civilisation. Not everyone defines his or her identity in terms of a religion but all human beings have beliefs and values. The accurate use of language in these aspects of human experience is one way of demonstrating respect for the beliefs of others. We live in a pluralistic society and the principles of inclusion need to govern our speech if we are to promote a sense of well being for all, regardless of their personal decisions about religion.
Belief Neutral Language
For many hundreds of years Britain has welcomed people from many different religions. It is a simple but important mark of respect for others if we use language that is appropriate to them. For example, to ask a Jewish or Muslim person their Christian name makes no sense, but is also highly disrespectful of their beliefs. The use of the terms 'forename' or 'first name' prevents any misunderstanding and acknowledges that people have different beliefs.
Equally 'going to Church' is a specifically Christian practice. Members of other faith communities may use a particular place of worship; for example, the communal place of worship for Jews is the synagogue, for Muslims it is the mosque. However, many others may practise their faith individually or with others in other places, including their own homes.
The use of the Gregorian calendar is widespread, but the terms BC and AD are based upon Christianity. This has led some to adopt the practice of using the initials BCE (before the Common Era) and CE (the Common Era). Some religions also have their own way of numbering the years for religious purposes, but adopt the numbering of the Gregorian calendar for ease of communication with others.
There is much diversity within all the religious denominations and it is almost impossible to assume that all members of a faith community hold similar views or practise in the same way.
A good rule of thumb is to think always of 'some' rather than 'all' members of a particular faith group.
It is important to avoid stereotyping and making assumptions. For example, just as some may describe themselves as Christian on official forms, but not be active in a worshipping community, so some Jews may not be observant within the synagogue or in the home and some who have been born Muslims may not now practise at the mosque.
An understanding of religious issues will enable the use of appropriate terms. For a brief summary of the key beliefs and practices of members of faith communities, see A Guide to Religion and Culture published by Devon County Council and available at www.devon.gov.uk.
Spelling of terms from each of the principal religions can be puzzling. Many of these religions use different languages (and alphabets) so the spelling of terms specific to a particular religion may vary. Not all letters in an alphabet have a direct equivalent in English and where equivalents have to be created, variations in the English spelling occur. In education, a glossary that was compiled by each of the faith communities was agreed and can be found at www.qca.org.uk. It is recommended that spellings used in that glossary be adopted.
Some words and phrases that have their origins in religions have crept into common usage and are often used in an inappropriate or vulgar way. The inappropriate use of names which are held to be sacred may cause offence to some people so should be avoided.