Philly archbishop says Merion school’s firing of teacher in same-sex marriage shows ‘character’

Philadelphia’s archbishop says that Catholic school leaders who fired a married gay teacher showed uncommon “character and common sense.”

Archbishop Charles Chaput said the Sisters of Mercy and board members who run Waldron Mercy Academy in Lower Merion Township are simply being “honest” about the church’s teaching.

The church opposes gay marriage, although Pope Francis has said of homosexuals: “Who am I to judge?”

The pope plans to visit Philadelphia in September.

Margie Winters said she lost her job last month as Waldron’s religious instruction director even though she had disclosed her same-sex marriage in 2007.

Many parents are upset by her dismissal.

Principal Nell Stetser told parents that the school recognizes the archbishop’s authority on religious teaching.

However, Chaput spokesman Ken Gavin has said the archdiocese “did not influence” Waldon’s decision.