Sat. Aug 2nd, 2025

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).

Breaking NewsSpirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!

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).

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up-to-date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

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).

Arroyo-Castro’s battle is far from over. First Liberty has made it clear that legal action will be pursued if the district does not reverse course. The importance of this case goes beyond one teacher’s right to display a crucifix. It is a battle over whether Christians will be allowed to live out their faith without fear of reprisal. If the silence of believers becomes the norm, then the voices demanding the erasure of Christian influence will only grow louder. The early church did not grow because believers hid their faith when confronted with opposition. They proclaimed it all the more boldly. That same boldness is needed now more than ever. Whether in a classroom, a workplace or the public square, the light of Christ must shine without hesitation or apology.

Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!

James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.

By

Related Podcasts

More News
The Lord’s Prayer and Cultural Change
The Lord’s Prayer and Cultural Change
I Found God In My Children’s Eyes
I Found God In My Children’s Eyes
5 Sins That Open the Door to Demons, and How to Shut Them for Good
5 Sins That Open the Door to Demons, and How to Shut Them for Good
5 Signs You’re Falling Into End-Times Deception and Don’t Even Know It
5 Signs You’re Falling Into End-Times Deception and Don’t Even Know It
Why Grace Is the Most Underrated Weapon in the Christian Life
Why Grace Is the Most Underrated Weapon in the Christian Life
Warning to the Church: Gossip is Quenching the Fire of the Holy Spirit
Warning to the Church: Gossip is Quenching the Fire of the Holy Spirit
Perry Stone Reveals Hidden Battles Ministries Face
Perry Stone Reveals Hidden Battles Ministries Face
A Vision of Hell: What This Woman Saw After Her Car Accident
A Vision of Hell: What This Woman Saw After Her Car Accident
What Set This Revelation Church Apart from the Others?
What Set This Revelation Church Apart from the Others?
Rescued From the Pit
Rescued From the Pit
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos
113K Subscribers
1.3K Videos
12.6M Views

Copy link