Archdiocese Letter Warns Employees About Supporting Same-Sex Marriage

NBC Miami
January 6, 2015

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Archdiocese-Letter-Warns-Employees-About-Supporting-Same-Sex-Marriage-287597661.html

As gay marriage began across Miami-Dade County Monday afternoon, the Archdiocese issued a letter to its employees saying they could be fired for any conduct that is “inconsistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.”

The letter, from Archbishop Thomas Wenski, told employees that “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.”

Archbishop Wenski’s letter continued warning employees that the conduct requirements also extend to the Internet. “Employees should exercise discretion when posting on social media sites, and note that online activity indicative of prohibitive behaviors may subject an employee to disciplinary action or termination.”

Wenski was critical of the move by the judicial system to overturn the gay marriage ban, telling NBC 6, “By imposing a new definition of marriage on the people of Florida, the courts are changing what marriage means for everybody.”

The move from Wenski comes as a debate continues in the Catholic Church and the Vatican over the inclusion of same-sex couples. Pope Francis said at one point about homosexuals, “Who am I to judge?”

Late last year, Pope Francis also demoted the highest-ranking American at the Vatican after the cardinal had been heavily criticized the pope’s leadership of the church.