Miami archbishop warns Church employees against public support for same-sex marriage

January 07, 2015

Reacting to the court-ordered recognition of same-sex marriage in the state of Florida, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami has reminded Church employees that they should avoid public support for a policy that is at odds with Catholic teaching.

“Whatever the role in which you serve within the archdiocese, you publicly represent the Catholic Church and the archdiocese in everything you do and say,” the archbishop reminded employees. He called attention to standards

The archbishop called attention to the standards of conduct set forth in a guidebook for all archdiocesan employees, which says that Church workers can be disciplined and even dismissed for actions or statements that violate Church teaching. Specifically, he cited a section that reads:

All employees should note that, because of the Church’s particular function in society, certain conduct, inconsistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church, could lead to disciplinary action, including termination, even if it occurs outside the normal working day and outside the strict confines of work performed by the employee for the archdiocese.

The archdiocesan guidebook goes on to note that Church employees “should exercise discretion when posting on social media sites,” and states that online activity can also lead to disciplinary action.

 

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Further information:

• Archdiocese Letter Warns Employees About Supporting Same-Sex Marriage (NBC)
• Archbishop Wenski’s letter