Indianapolis Archdiocese Cuts Ties With Brebeuf Jesuit Prep Over Teacher

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis cuts ties with Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School after officials refused to fire a teacher in a same-sex marriage.

Photo by Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, Facebook.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis can no longer call itself a Catholic high school. 

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis issued that ruling Thursday after the school refused to fire an openly gay, married teacher. A decree no longer recognizing Brebeuf Jesuit as a Catholic institution is effective Friday.

Brebuef leaders say it would have been against their conscience to fire the teacher.  The impasse with the archdiocese is being called “a sincere and significant disagreement.”

“After long and prayerful consideration, we determined that following the Archdiocese’s directive would not only violate our informed conscience on this particular matter, but also set a concerning precedent for future interference in the school’s operations and other governance matters that Brebeuf Jesuit leadership has historically had the sole right and privilege to address and decide,” the school’s statement read in part.

The school calls the teacher in question highly capable and qualified.

Archdiocesan officials issued a statement that says every Catholic school in the country is expected to follow church teachings, including support for the idea of marriage between one man and one woman. 

“All those who minister in Catholic educational institutions carry out an important ministry in communicating the fullness of Catholic teaching to students both by word and action inside and outside the classroom. It is their duty and privilege to ensure that students receive instruction in Catholic doctrine and practice. To effectively bear witness to Christ, whether they teach religion or not, all ministers in their professional and private lives must convey and be supportive of Catholic Church teaching. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis recognizes all teachers, guidance counselors and administrators as ministers,” the archdiocese said.

Every school in the archdiocese has been instructed to clearly state in its contracts and ministerial job descriptions that all ministers must convey and be supportive of all teachings of the Catholic Church, the archdiocese added.