Portland, Ore. – A Christian nurse at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital (OHSU) successfully secured approval for a faith‑based employee resource group after the hospital initially demanded the removal of prayer, Bible study and other religious activities.
Background
Suzy Logue formed the group in early 2025 to provide a space for Christian staff to pray, study Scripture and encourage one another during demanding shifts. OHSU told her the group could be recognized only if it stripped out its religious elements and operated without access to hospital resources or campus buildings.
Logue responded, “No, we’re a Christian group. We would like to be allowed to pray and do Bible study and do these other worship activities using campus resources.” She asked for the policy justification and was met with silence. After weeks of follow‑up, the hospital indicated the charter was under legal review.
Legal challenge
Logue contacted the First Liberty Institute, which sent OHSU a demand letter asserting that federal law requires employers to respect employees of all faiths. Cliff Martin, senior counsel at First Liberty, said, “Federal law mandates that employees of all faiths be respected in the workplace. OHSU displayed a clear pattern of discrimination and hostility toward Ms. Logue’s Christian employee resource group.”
Following the demand, OHSU reversed its position, approving the group as a Christian ERG and allowing it to use hospital facilities for worship.
Group growth and impact
Since approval, the Christian ERG has expanded rapidly through word of mouth. Logue noted that members feel a “light” during shifts, knowing they can connect with fellow believers for support in difficult patient situations.
“Portland can be a tough place to be a Christian,” Logue said. “Having a network of coworkers who share our faith makes a big difference on the floor.”
Hospital response
OHSU issued a statement explaining its employee resource group policy, noting that any group of at least three employees may request recognition and that approved ERGs receive institutional support, including access to facilities, provided they comply with university guidelines.
“Each ERG operates with institutional support, and recognition entitles access to institution‑owned or controlled facilities for meetings and events, in accordance with policy,” the hospital said.
First Liberty’s assessment
Martin added, “We are happy to say that, since July, the issues have mostly been resolved, and the Christian resource group should receive the same support every other group receives.”
The outcome underscores the importance of protecting religious liberty in the workplace and demonstrates how legal advocacy can help ensure faith‑based employees receive equal treatment.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
