Philadelphia Catholic school dismisses teacher over same-sex wedding

December 09, 2013

The principal of an all-male Catholic high school in Philadelphia dismissed a teacher who announced he was applying for a same-sex marriage license, according to local and national media reports.

“Teacher Michael Griffin made clear that he intends to obtain a license to marry his same-sex partner,” said Father James McCloskey, the president of Holy Ghost Preparatory School, which is administered by the Congregation of the Holy Ghost (Spiritans). “Unfortunately, this decision contradicts the terms of his teaching contract at our school, which requires all faculty and staff to follow the teachings of the Church as a condition of their employment.”

The teacher said he was shocked by the decision because it was widely known at the school that he had a same-sex partner with whom he had entered a civil union in 2008.

“I've been with my partner for more than 12 years, the entire time I've been teaching at the school,” Griffin said. “He's been to numerous school functions with me, he's even been to McCloskey's house.”

“The mission of the school, it talks about dedication to the poor and the oppressed, the value of an education, and the value of diversity of thought and tolerance,” he added.

 

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Further information:

• Gay Teacher Fired After Applying to Marry Partner (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
• Gay teacher surprised Catholic school fired him (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Letter from Fr. James McCloskey, C.S.Sp. regarding the termination of HGP Teacher (Holy Ghost Prep)