Catholic Church Fires Music Director Over Gay Marriage

Catholic Church Fires Music Director Over Same-Sex Marriage

“Marriage is a permanent, faithful and exclusive covenant between one man and one woman.”  

Fred Szczepanski Fired: Community Rallies Around Ousted Music Director Over Same-Sex Marriage

A music director, Fred Szczepanski, was recently terminated by St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, Michigan, after church officials discovered his 2020 same-sex marriage in Nevada. Szczepanski, affectionately known as “Mr. Fred,” had served the church for 34 years, playing a pivotal role in music ministry and church life. His dismissal sparked outrage among parishioners, with many demonstrating outside the church in support of Szczepanski.

Support for Szczepanski

• Longtime choir members expressed their admiration for Szczepanski's talent and dedication.

• A GoFundMe campaign raised over $22,000 to assist with his legal and insurance expenses.

• Parishioners staged a silent protest by leaving their seats empty and refusing to sing during a Sunday service.

This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights within the Catholic Church. Similar cases have occurred in the past, such as the firing of Colin Collette, a music director in Illinois, who was terminated after announcing his engagement to another man.

Fred Szczepanski, a beloved music director at St. Francis Catholic Church in Michigan, was fired after church officials discovered his same-sex marriage to partner Bill Thompson in 2020. The church made the announcement on their social media platform on October 18, nearly a month after his termination. Szczepanski had served the church for 34 years, earning the affectionate nickname “Mr. Fred” from parishioners.

His dismissal sparked outrage among church members, with many expressing support for Szczepanski. Demonstrations were held outside the church, with signs reading “Love Not Hate” and “Fired Not Retired ” Choir members even staged a silent protest by leaving their seats empty and refusing to sing. Szczepanski's husband, Bill Thompson, took to Facebook to share their story, revealing that they had married to protect their rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Diocese of Gaylord, which oversees St. Francis, acknowledged that individual parishes handle personnel decisions but emphasized its commitment to employee privacy. Despite this, supporters have rallied around Szczepanski, raising over $22,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to support his legal and insurance expenses.

Reactions to Szczepanski's Firing

Community Outrage: Parishioners have expressed shock and disappointment over Szczepanski's termination, praising his dedication and talent.

Support for Szczepanski: Demonstrations and protests have been held in support of Szczepanski, highlighting the community's love and appreciation for him.

GoFundMe Campaign: Supporters have raised thousands of dollars to support Szczepanski's legal and insurance expenses.

Rev. Michael Lingaur confronted long-time music director Fred Szczepanski, affectionately known as “Mr. Fred,” after church leaders received an anonymous letter exposing his same-sex marriage. Szczepanski confirmed the union, prompting Rev. Lingaur to terminate his 34-year tenure.

The sudden dismissal not only ousted Szczepanski from his musical role but also barred him from receiving communion during worship services. This drastic measure sparked widespread outrage among parishioners.

In response to the controversy, the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, issued a statement citing Szczepanski's marriage as a violation of his employment terms as a ministerial staff member.

“A public act of same-sex marriage is a formal recognition that a relationship is more than friendship, and thereby jeopardizes a ministerial agreement for employment.

“Marriage is a permanent, faithful and exclusive covenant between one man and one woman,” The diocese said.

The decision to fire Fred Szczepanski ignited a firestorm of outrage among St. Francis Catholic Church parishioners, prompting widespread protests in support of the beloved music director.

On Sunday, October 20, choir members staged a powerful silent protest, wearing black, leaving their seats empty, and refusing to sing during Mass. Meanwhile, outside the church, supporters gathered to picket, holding poignant signs that read: “Love Not Hate,” ”God Includes, Not Excludes,” and ”Fired Not Retired.”

The controversy has left many parishioners reeling. “People are hurt, people are sad,” an anonymous churchgoer lamented. ”In a time where there is so much controversy in the world, the church needs to be a place of peace, and instead, it's turmoil after turmoil.”

The fallout has prompted some parishioners and choir members to renounce their membership at St. Francis Church or consider doing so. A former church choir member revealed that she resigned in protest, citing the firing. She also alleged that some individuals were misinformed, being told that Szczepanski had retired rather than being terminated.

“Last I checked, people who have served for over 30 years get a retirement party.

“Fred was fired for his personal life and I find that cruel,” She said.

Church pastoral council member Dave Martin revealed that he was among the officials who received the anonymous letter, postmarked from another state, which led to Fred Szczepanski's termination. The letter was allegedly written by someone with seasonal ties to St. Francis Catholic Church.

When questioned about the firing, Martin and Rev. Michael Lingaur directed inquiries to the Diocese's official statement, declining further comment.

In response to the sudden loss of income, Bill Thompson, Szczepanski's husband, launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover essential expenses, including insurance, legal fees, and bills.

Szczepanski has remained tight-lipped on whether he plans to pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit, leaving his next steps uncertain.