Music director fired in Michigan church over same-sex marriage
- Fred Szczepanski was dismissed from his role as music director at a church in Traverse City, Michigan, just months before his planned retirement.
- The church's decision followed allegations regarding Szczepanski's same-sex marriage, which was revealed after officials received an anonymous letter.
- Members of the congregation have expressed their outrage through protests and vocal support for Szczepanski, indicating a divide within the church.
In Traverse City, Michigan, Fred Szczepanski faced termination from his role as music director at St. Francis Church after 34 years of service. Just months before his planned retirement in January 2024, he was informed of his dismissal due to his same-sex marriage established in Nevada in 2020. This decision arose after the church authorities received a letter from an unnamed individual, prompting them to confront Szczepanski about his marital status. The church's actions sparked significant backlash from its congregation. Members, expressing their support for Szczepanski, participated in protests outside the church premises, carrying banners with messages such as 'Love Not Hate' and 'Fired Not Retired.' This incident has highlighted a growing rift within the church community regarding acceptance and inclusion, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ issues. Toni Stanfield, a church member, voiced the sentiment among attendees, noting the sadness and hurt that has replaced the church's previous atmosphere of peace. Many churchgoers have questioned whether their personal circumstances might also put them at risk of similar actions by the church. The Diocese of Gaylord, overseeing the church, issued a statement emphasizing employee privacy and declining to provide details about individual personnel matters. This incident not only raises questions about the treatment of employees in religious settings but also underscores broader societal issues related to LGBTQ+ acceptance within faith communities.