As reported by CBN News, Marisol Arroyo-Castro, a teacher in Connecticut, has been placed on administrative leave over her refusal to remove a crucifix from her workspace. She has had the crucifix displayed near her desk for a decade without issue. However, last December, she was called into the vice principal’s office and informed that she had to remove it. According to First Liberty, the legal group representing her, she was warned that failure to comply would be considered insubordination. After briefly placing it out of sight, she was overcome with conviction and returned it to its original location. For this act of faith, she was suspended without pay for two days and later placed on administrative leave.
Persecution for faith in Jesus Christ is not new, nor is it something that should come as a surprise to those who follow Him. The Bible warns that those who live for Christ will face opposition: “Yes, and all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
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Opposition to the Christian faith is often disguised as a plea for inclusivity, yet the logic behind such arguments often reveals a double standard. Arroyo-Castro’s legal counsel, Keisha Russell, pointed out that teachers are permitted to display personal items such as sports memorabilia or pop culture icons. “We have people who celebrate the sporting team that they like, there’s Baby Yoda, there’s all kinds of things,” she said. If a teacher can display an image of a fictional character, why is a crucifix—an emblem of faith and hope—considered problematic?
The New Britain School District claims that students and staff of varying faiths felt uncomfortable with the crucifix, alleging that Arroyo-Castro imposed her beliefs on students. The district further stated that it was investigating claims that she referred to students as “sinners” and told them they “need Jesus.” The problem with such accusations is that they remain unproven, yet the punishment has already been enacted. Even if the allegations turn out to be unfounded, the fact remains that a Christian symbol, which had been present for a decade without issue, is now being treated as a threat.
Jesus made it clear that His followers would face rejection for their faith. He said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you,” (John 15:18). Arroyo-Castro’s story is another reminder that standing firm in Christ will come at a cost, but that cost is worth it. When asked about her decision to leave the cross displayed, she stated, “I knew that I wasn’t doing anything wrong.” Her conviction mirrors the command given in Scripture: “But rejoice inasmuch as you partake in the sufferings of Christ, so that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy,” (1 Pet. 4:13).
If the Christian faith is to withstand the pressures of an increasingly hostile world, believers must be grounded in the Word. A surface-level commitment will not withstand the cultural tides that demand compliance over conviction. Jesus warned that persecution would come, and in those moments, faith must be unshakable. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life,” (Rev. 2:10).
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.