Main Line Catholic School Upholds Decision to Fire Educator Due To Same-Sex Marriage

Officials at Waldron Mercy Academy have chosen to uphold the decision of their principal to fire a longtime educator due to her being in a same-sex marriage, stating the school is “responsible for adhering to the teachings of the Catholic church.”

In a letter sent to parents, teachers and staff, Sister Patricia Vetrano, president of the Sisters of Mercy, which runs the school, said the leadership team has opted to affirm Principal Nell Stetser’s choice not to renew Margie Winters’ contract.

“At its very core, Waldron Mercy Academy is a Catholic elementary school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, who are responsible for ensuring that the school consistently follows the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially in terms of faith formation and religious education,” read the letter. “As a Catholic school, Waldron Mercy is responsible for adhering to the teachings of the Catholic Church in its curriculum and programs and as a public witness in the wider community. Our concern in this situation is Waldron Mercy’s authentic participation in the mission of Catholic education.”

Winters, who had been an educator and director of religious studies at the Waldron Mercy Academy for the past eight years, says she was dismissed after at least two parents learned of her marriage to her wife, Andrea Vettori. According to Winters, the school had known of their relationship since 2007.

According to reports, Winters was fired after at least two parents who had learned of her marriage complained to the school and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Despite the complaint that reportedly led to her dismissal, Winters has in the meantime enjoyed support from hundreds of parents, students and teachers, most recently at a prayer vigil on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a Go Fund Me page, created three days ago with the aim of helping to support Winters and her wife financially in the aftermath of losing her job, has so far raised more than $12,000.

Monday’s letter was sent out just hours after Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput praised and defended the school and its leaders for firing Winters, describing the matter as “a simple matter of honesty” and “common sense.”

“Schools describing themselves as Catholic take on the responsibility of teaching and witnessing the Catholic faith in a manner true to Catholic belief,” read the statement. “There’s nothing complicated or controversial in this. It’s a simple matter of honesty.

“I’m very grateful to the Religious Sisters of Mercy and to the principal and board members of Waldron Mercy for taking the steps to ensure that the Catholic faith is presented in a way fully in accord with the teaching of the church,” Chaput added. “They’ve shown character and common sense at a moment when both seem to be uncommon.”