Michigan church fires beloved music director of 34 years over same-sex marriage

The firing led to demonstrations outside the church on Sunday, where supporters carried signs reading “Love Not Hate” and “Fired Not Retired.” According to reports, choir members staged a silent protest the Sunday before, leaving their seats empty and refusing to sing.

Szczepanski’s husband, Bill Thompson, wrote on Facebook following his husband’s firing: “Those who know Fred Szczepanski and I know that we have been together for 32 years. This last week after 35 years service to the church, he was terminated with no severance,” Thompson wrote. “This is because we legally married 4 years ago. We did this as it was covid and we wanted to protect our rights legally. Never flaunted it. Never had a celebration,” according to The Ticker.

The Diocese of Gaylord, which oversees St. Francis, acknowledged that individual parishes handle personnel decisions but added it “takes employee privacy very seriously.” Diocese spokesperson Renee Shimmel said the bishop supported the pastor’s decision but declined further comment.

Meanwhile, Szczepanski’s supporters have raised over $22,000 through a GoFundMe to assist with his legal and insurance expenses. “Fred does more than just play the piano,” said choir member Liz Yarch. “He steps in with people that don’t have family, making sure there’s a support network.”

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Christopher Wiggins