Tate Publishing President Prays With Employees Before Berating and Firing 25 (AUDIO)
Tate Publishing president Ryan Tate is receiving criticism after going off on his employees before firing 25 of them for "breach of contract" when a confidential email was leaked in the company. Tate Publishing is a Christian publishing firm, but many are questioning how Christian Tate's actions were.
One worker recorded the entire confrontation, which begins with Tate asking for prayer for the leadership and wisdom. Tate then begins speaking to those gathered in the assembly.
"Proverbs says that the wicked will set a trap and the righteous will prevail … a lot of good people are going to get hurt. I've spent a lot of time this weekend in prayer and in tears with my family because people I care about are going to lose their jobs. It's not fair, it's not right, but that's the reality of the situation," he said.
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The conversation then takes a notable turn, as Tate compares himself to Jesus Christ. "Jesus himself is the perfect mix of mercy, grace and justice. And I have failed you because I have been a little too lenient and a little too lenient, and a little too on the side of mercy and grace- and not enough justice."
"Good God! Be a good person… I'll trust you," Tate continues. "How stupid do you have to be in this day and age, in this economy, to even play with fire like that? This is not a democracy I don't need any of your opinions … Everything you think, everything you want to assume means nothing. If I want your feedback, I'll ask for it."
Then things got even worse: "I went over and above… I've made every decision to try and benefit you to the best of my ability. This final email is the straw that broke the camel's back. Things are going to be different. Cowards in this room were a part of it; don't kid yourself. The people next to you are responsible … I'll find you; I'm good at it."
Tate belittled his employees, telling them that he didn't want to hear their "moaning and groaning" and tried to "dissuade" their fears about the company's plans to outsource work to the Philippines.
"Learn in God's name what the world 'outsource' even means!" he yells. "You morons that sat back and wanted to create and generate conspiracy theories … are stupid! Idiots!" Tate screamed at his employees.
The 17-minute rant ends with an ominous warning: "If you wanna discuss what goes on in this office, you're gonna get it. I have a good history and a good track record of catching you. I might not get you today, I might not get you tomorrow, but I'm gonna get you."
Those familiar with Tate Publishing are astonished at the recording, which directly contradicts the Christian mission of the company. Tate regularly attends church with his family, but after the rant and directly attacking his employees, some are wondering how the two figures can be the same person.
"Wow, I have attended church with the Tate's for several years and had no idea the kind of person Ryan really was. He sounds more like a spoiled brat throwing a temper tantrum while ruining people's lives, than a good Christian leader. I don't even know what to say; I am beyond disgusted," Chris posted on the Journal Record's website.
"This entire thing is an abysmal affront to true Christian employers," noted Rozlyn Kays. "It's people like this who give Christians a bad name and cause those who don't know Jesus to cry 'hypocrite' when confronted with such injustices. I pray those who were let go will find something better on the horizon."
The entire meeting can be heard HERE:
