Reply :

Great question but I find it so sad that we even have to ask this question. As social workers we need to understand that everyone has a point of view and context and belief system. We need to see where we can bridge our differences rather than deride others for their differences and we seem to be getting further and further from that as we try to become more "understanding". Of course people are entitled to conservative and religious beliefs!. That doesn't make them stupid, bad or unable to make an excellent, understanding empathic therapist. I think this profession would benefit from not only thinking one way, which makes it very uncomfortable for colleagues who are more conservative in their thinking so they too can feel comfortable expressing themselves. I find this a rather sad state of affairs.
As an Independent, I find that when I move away from any one ideology I can better see the point of view of both sides; however I don't think as a profession we do that nearly enough. Every conference makes political jokes, in an effort to "assume" we all need to believe alike. We are alienating wonderful people who are bright, caring, compassionate people and that just seems wrong. We are the profession of being understanding, yet we are not practicing this if we are assuming we must all think and believe alike.
Thank you for posing the question.