Catholic school denies enrollment to child of same-sex parents
A Catholic school in Kansas has come under fire after denying enrollment to a kindergartener who is the child of a same-sex couple.
Parents and parishioners of the St. Ann church and its grade school are outraged after hearing about the decision made by the Archdiocese of Kansas City. Now, nearly 1,000 of them have signed a petition addressed to Archbishop Joseph Naumann and school Superintendent Kathy O’Hara to “prayerfully reconsider.”
“It is our belief that Christ’s message of inclusion, acceptance, mercy, and love should first and foremost guide such decisions,” the petition, obtained by the Kansas City Star, reads. “Respectfully, we believe that the decision to deny a child of God access to such a wonderful community and education, based on the notion that his or her parent’s union is not in accordance with the Church’s teaching in Sacramental marriage, lacks the compassion and mercy of Christ’s message.”
According to the local Kansas outlet, many parents found out about the school’s decision in February when St. Ann’s Pastor, Rev. Craig J. Maxim, sent a letter home to families to address the strong opinions of those who had already heard the news. In the letter, the pastor explains that he relegated the decision to the Archdiocese, which maintains authority over the St. Ann Catholic School.
“The Archdiocese states that since same sex unions are not in conformance with the Church’s teaching on sacramental marriage and these unions have no current ability to bring their relationship into conformity, the parents cannot model behaviors and attitudes consistent with the Church’s teachings,” the letter reads. “This creates a conflict for those children and what is experienced at home. It also could become a source of confusion for other school children.”
Maxim went on to write that he is “distressed over the division” that the issue has brought upon the school and church community, and is committed to taking part in constructive dialogue regarding the decision. However, a statement provided to The Kansas City Star from the Archdiocese of Kansas City says that they won’t be reconsidering.
“The Church respects that some may disagree with essential elements of our moral teaching,” the statement reads. “We do not feel it is respectful of such individuals, nor is it fair, loving or compassionate to place their children in an educational environment where the values of the parents and the core principles of the school conflict.”
The Archdiocese didn’t immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment.
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