Gays and Catholicism: Pope's words open door to confusion

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- An ideological tug of war over the firing of a Rhode Island church music director for marrying his same-sex partner illustrates the confusion that permeates some U.S. Roman Catholic parishes over Pope Francis' words on homosexuality.

Francis' famous declaration "Who am I to judge?" in 2013 energized Catholics who pushed the church to accept gays and lesbians.

Now, some gay Catholics and supporters who hoped for rapid acceptance find themselves stymied by many bishops and pastors.

Francis is being cited by the music director, Michael Templeton, and by Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin, known for taking a hard line on church teaching about marriage and abortion.

Tobin has criticized Francis, writing after the pope's summit on the family two years ago "Francis is fond of 'creating a mess.' Mission accomplished."

The pope has upheld Catholic teaching on homosexuality, reiterating the church's opposition to same-sex relationships.

But his shift in tone and broad statements about mercy have left a trail of comments that amount to a Rorschach test open to interpretation, say those who have followed him.

"Pope Francis has not said, 'Here's what you should do in a parish where you have a music director who has married his partner of the same sex,'" said the Rev. James T. Bretzke, a professor of moral theology at Boston College. "Pope Francis is articulating general principles: forgiveness and mercy and not harsh judgment. But how you handle a particular case like this, he has been very reluctant to weigh in on it."

That means a gay Catholic's fate depends on his diocese or individual pastor.

Templeton, 38, said he was called in last month and fired from the job he held for five years at the Church of St. Mary.

The pastor, appointed in July, told him someone had sent him a 2015 article that included details about Templeton's wedding.

A representative from the Providence Diocese also attended.

At the end of the meeting, disappointed and hurt, Templeton cited Francis.

"This seems truly inconsistent with the teachings of Pope Francis," Templeton said he told them.

The firing caused an outcry in the parish.

A fellow employee resigned minutes after Templeton's firing.

Several lay leaders also resigned, and dozens of parishioners have left, including most of the church's 20 to 30 gay members, according to people interviewed. Many cited Francis' example, saying the firing was in conflict with his declaration 2016 be a "Year of Mercy."

The pastor, Rev. Francesco Francese, referred comment to Tobin's office, and Tobin declined a request for an interview.

Tobin issued a statement saying church employees and volunteers are "expected to live in a way that is fully consistent" with church teachings. If a person engages in activity that contradicts those teachings, "that individual leaves the Church no choice but to respond," Tobin said.

In a later Facebook posting, Tobin defended his approach, citing Francis.

"When church leaders have to respond to situations involving persons living an openly 'gay lifestyle' these days, we're often scolded and told that we should be 'more like Pope Francis,' presumably the 'Who-am-I-to judge' Pope Francis," Tobin wrote.

He listed several examples "critics should also remember," including Francis firing a priest who was working in the Vatican upon learning he was gay and in a relationship.