Christian driver refuses to drive bus promoting atheism
A devout Christian bus driver refused to take the wheel of a vehicle bearing an advert from a national campaign aimed at persuading people that God does not exist. About 800 buses across the country now show the message: ‘There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and go and enjoy your life.’
Ron Heather was appalled when he realised he would have to drive a double decker with the words, ‘There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and go and enjoy your life.’ on the side and walked out of his shift in protest. Ron was particularly offended by the name of the website on the advert – ww.atheistcampaign.org.
Ron explained: “I was about to board the bus and there it was staring me in the face – my first reaction was shock and horror. I told my managers I could not drive that bus and they said they had not got another one and I thought – “I better go home” – so I did.”
He went on to say: “This is a public attack on people’s faiths. I have a lot of passengers who are over 90 or seriously ill, and God is probably all they have left in the world. Faith is important in people’s lives, and I think the poster pushes the issue too far.”
After First Bus said he only had to drive buses with the adverts if no other vehicles were available, Ron returned to work. A spokesman for First Bus said: “We understand Mr Heather’s views regarding the advert and are doing what we can to accommodate his request not to drive the buses concerned.”
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