DEAR ABBY: I have been placed in an uncomfortable situation at my new job. One of my co-workers, "Wade," has begun planning monthly potluck and brown bag lunches where he shares religious videos and asks everyone to pray with him. I saw this time as an opportunity to get to know my new co-workers, but I do not share his religious beliefs, and I'm offended by the message.
I don't want to seem rude to my fellow employees by declining invitations each month, but I don't want to have religion forced on me at social gatherings. What would be an appropriate thing to do in this situation? (By the way, I work at a religiously diverse state university.) -- CONFLICTED CO-WORKER
DEAR CONFLICTED: You mistook your co-worker's religious outreach project for a social gathering. Graciously and consistently decline the invitations. If you are pressed, say that you prefer to do other things on your lunch break. You may find others feel similarly once you draw the line.
P.S. If you are made to feel uncomfortable about your choice, report it to the university's human relations department.