Archbishop strips Jesuit school of ‘Catholic’ label for refusing to let go gay ‘married’ teacher

An Indiana archbishop has stripped a Jesuit-run school of its Catholic label after the school refused the archbishop’s directive that it not renew a teacher’s contract who had ‘married’ a same-sex partner. 

Two summers ago, a teacher from Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School “married” a same-sex partner. The fact became publicly known via social media. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis, led by Archbishop Charles Thompson, requested around the same time that the school not renew the teacher’s contract because the teacher’s lifestyle contradicted Catholic sexual and moral teaching. 

The school refused to follow the directive. 

Because of this, Archbishop Thompson issued a decree on June 20 that he no longer recognizes Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School as a Catholic institution.

“The Catholic Church teaches that Catholic schools are integral to the mission of the Church to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and to be places of learning where students encounter the living Christ,” the Archdiocese said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

The Archdiocese continued that “every archdiocesan Catholic school and private Catholic school has been instructed to clearly state in its contracts and ministerial job descriptions that all ministers must convey and be supportive of all teachings of the Catholic Church.”

“Regrettably, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School has freely chosen not to enter into such agreements that protect the important ministry of communicating the fullness of Catholic teaching to students. Therefore, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School will no longer be recognized as a Catholic institution by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,” it stated. 

Archbishop Thompson made the decree recognizing that it is his “canonical responsibility to oversee faith and morals as related to Catholic identity within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.”

“I, the Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, D.D., J.C.L., with great sadness, acknowledge the choice of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School to no longer retain Catholic identity according to the doctrine and pastoral practice of the Catholic Church and, therefore, to no longer remain as a Catholic institution in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis,” he said in a statement. 

“The institution known as Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (2801 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268), by its own selection, can no longer use the name Catholic and will no longer be identified or recognized as a Catholic institution by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis nor included in the listing of The Official Catholic Directory,” he added.

Father Brian Paulson, who heads the Midwest Province of Jesuits, said that he was disappointed by the decision. 

“The teacher in question does not teach religion and is a longtime valued employee of the school,” he said, adding that this was why Brebeuf “declined to honor the Archdiocese’s expectation that the school dismiss this teacher.”  “I disagree with the necessity and prudence of this decision,” he said. 

Father Paulson said that his order will appeal the decision through the process indicated by church law, which may lead to taking recourse to Vatican authorities. 

The school, which hosts about 800 students and has a staff of about 130, released a statement expressing its disagreement with the archbishop, stating that it believes that his “direct insertion” into the Jesuit’s employment practices is “unprecedented.” Following the Archbishop's directives, according to the school, would have been a violation of conscience.