Archbishop Thomas Wenski, archbishop of Miami, has
warned archdiocesan employees that any action in support of Florida’s
now-legal same-sex marriage could cost them their jobs.
“Because of the Church’s particular function in society,” the archbishop wrote, “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 policy extends to include posts (photos or comments) on social media sites.
The preemptive letter by Archbishop Wenskishould
help to thwart potential complaints, as have occurred in Chicago, in
Georgia and in other states, when a church organist or music director
has been fired after his homosexual relationship came to light.
U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle’s ruling that
Florida’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional took effect in all
67 counties at midnight on Monday, January 5. Couples began marrying
immediately, even though Florida’s attorney general, Pam Bondi, is
still pursuing state and federal appeals seeking to uphold the ban
approved by voters in 2008. Bondi’s effort to block these weddings
until the courts finally rule was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court; and
so Florida has become the 36th state to approve same-sex marriages.
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