Catholic college fires gay teacher

The Archdiose of Philadelphia has had a tumultuous month, with a lawsuit pending and several priests suspended. A move by officials at Chestnut Hill College might bring on even more heat.

As reported by the Inquirer, the Catholic college has terminated the teaching contract of an adjunct professor, saying his 15-year relationship with another man defies church teachings.

The Rev. James St. George, said he is “floored” by the decision to let him go. The college states its decision came not only because St. George is gay, which it called contrary to traditional Catholic doctrine, but also because he misrepresented himself as a member of an independent branch of Catholicism — a charge St. George denies.

Since 2009, St. George taught Bible studies, religion and culture, justice and theology, and world religions at Chestnut Hill College.

According to the Inquirer article, St. George said he believed Chestnut Hill College had become aware of his sexuality when James J. Pepper, a lawyer with the firm Elliott Greenleaf in Blue Bell, sent an e-mail to college officials and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Archdiocesan spokeswoman Donna Farrell confirmed that the archdiocese had received Pepper’s e-mail but said it had taken no action regarding St. George.