Supporters Of Fired Gay Catholic School Teacher Raise $5K

In addition to the pouring of support Margie Winters has received in person from hundreds of parents at Waldron Mercy Academy, the fired teacher and religious studies director has now found herself being championed by thousands on the Internet.

A Go Fund Me page, created two days ago with the aim of helping to support Winters and her wife financially in the aftermath of losing her job of eight years, has so far raised nearly $5,000. With close to 60 people kicking in so far, the organizers hope to eventually raise a total of $25,000.

Meanwhile, on Facebook, a “Stand with Margie” community page has attracted more than 6,000 likes, and on Twitter, #StandWithMargie has begun to gain momentum.

Mercy Principal Nell Stetser altered parents of the decision in an email on Friday.

According to the report, the email stated the reasons for the dismissal were confidential, but later added that while “many of us accept life choices that contradict current church teachings,” those teachings must be followed in order to ”continue as a Catholic school.”

Winters, reportedly at the direction of the principal, had attempted to avoid discussing her marriage with parents at the school.

However, it was reported that at least two parents were informed of Winters’ marriage, and complained to the school and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

A request for comment from the principal was not immediately returned Thursday afternoon.

“I cannot discuss a specific personnel matter. The primary consideration that guided my decision-making process was to sustain the Catholic identity of Waldron Mercy Academy. For the privilege of calling ourselves Catholic, we adhere to the teachings of the Church.”