anon
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Post by anon on Aug 21, 2009 16:31:27 GMT -5
As someone who works for an ELCA college who is an atheist and a lefty, I can say that the ELCA is a very mainline denomination and tends to be very accepting. I don't experience any "churchy" interventions into my daily work experience. I also didn't have to (and wouldn't be willing to) sign any kind of belief statement. We have atheists, Jews, and Muslims on the faculty. Saying you are "in sympathy with the mission" is very different from saying you believe something you don't.
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anon
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Post by anon on Aug 25, 2009 8:59:41 GMT -5
Next question...if the ad requires you to be 'in sympathy with their mission" to be hired, and you are an atheist but are fine with their religious beliefs, do you mention anything about that in your cover letter or leave religion out of the cover letter completely?
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anon
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Post by anon on Aug 25, 2009 10:03:08 GMT -5
I would probably mention something about how you are in sympathy with the mission without bringing up religion. For example, if they have an emphasis on social justice, discuss how that fits with your activities and/or outlook.
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Post by damastes on Aug 25, 2009 10:03:43 GMT -5
I would suggest looking at the college mission and write a brief paragraph in your cover letter noting the things you can specifically support. For example, you can briefly discuss how you might address topics of social justice, poverty, etc. You do not need to address the religion issue, while also letting the hiring committee know you will add to the college's mission of making the world a better place through applied action.
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anon
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Post by anon on Aug 30, 2009 16:33:42 GMT -5
If they ask you separate specific questions about how your work is in keeping with the mission, there's no need to bring religion and/or faith up in the cover letter, too.
Also, if you have questions about it, I don't think it would hurt to contact a member of the department and seek clarification.
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