Catholic Church Terminates Longtime Music Director After Learning of His Same-Sex Marriage

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Catholic Church Terminates Longtime Music Director After Learning of His Same-Sex Marriage

A Catholic church in Michigan has dismissed its music director of 34 years after learning about his marriage to a same-sex partner.

Fred Szczepanski, known as “Mr. Fred” by his parishioners, was terminated from his position at St. Francis Church in Traverse City on October 18, following a report to church leaders about his same-sex marriage. Szczepanski married his longtime partner in Nevada in 2020, a fact that came to the attention of church officials through an anonymous letter.

Upon confronting Szczepanski, Rev. Michael Lingaur informed him that his services would no longer be required. Szczepanski, who had served the church for over three decades, was also told he would be barred from taking communion during worship services. The Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, issued a statement following his termination, stating that Szczepanski’s marriage violated the ministerial agreement conditions of his employment.

“A public act of same-sex marriage is a formal recognition that a relationship is more than friendship, and thereby jeopardizes a ministerial agreement for employment,” the Diocese noted, reinforcing the church’s doctrine of marriage as “a permanent, faithful, and exclusive covenant between one man and one woman.”

Szczepanski’s firing sparked widespread outrage among parishioners, resulting in protests to support the longtime director. Choir members wore black and left their seats empty during the October 20 mass, refusing to sing. On October 27, supporters picketed outside the church, holding signs that read, “Love Not Hate,” “God Includes, Not Excludes,” and “Fired Not Retired.”

“People are hurt, people are sad. In a time where there is so much controversy in the world, the church needs to be a place of peace, and instead it’s turmoil after turmoil,” said churchgoer Toni Stanfield.

Some parishioners and choir members reportedly renounced their membership at St. Francis, while others considered leaving. Former choir member Liz Yarch resigned in protest, expressing frustration that Szczepanski’s departure was portrayed as a retirement. “Last I checked, people who have served for over 30 years get a retirement party,” she remarked, calling his dismissal “cruel.”

Szczepanski had previously announced his intention to retire in January, which heightened the sense of loss among parishioners who felt he should have been allowed to complete his service.

Choir member Bob Holden expressed his dismay over the firing: “He got fired because he’s gay. He’s extremely talented, he’s perfect on the piano, he has perfect pitch, and because of him, I look forward to going to church every week. I’m divorced. Do I get thrown out next?”

Dave Martin, a member of the church’s pastoral council, confirmed that he and Rev. Lingaur received the anonymous letter, which had an out-of-state postmark from a person with a “seasonal connection to St. Francis.” Martin and Lingaur declined to comment further, citing the Diocese’s official statement.

Choir member Sherry Koenig condemned the actions leading to Szczepanski’s dismissal. “It’s despicable what has happened and how it has happened. Mr. Fred is kind, honorable, and caring,” she said.

Following his termination, Szczepanski’s husband, Bill Thompson, set up a GoFundMe to assist with insurance, legal fees, and bills. Szczepanski declined to comment on whether he planned to pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit, as reported by the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

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