© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Nuns to review policies behind firing of pregnant lesbian teacher

Barbara Webb (left) sitting with wife Kristen Lasecki
User: I Stand With Barb Webb
/
facebook

The congregation of nuns that manages Marian High School in suburban Detroit said it will review the policies that led to the controversial firing of a pregnant gay teacher in August.

That's according to a letter sent Monday to the Marian High School community and its alumnae on behalf of the leadership council of the Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters.

Sister Mary Jane Herb wrote the letter. It says the IHM sisters will work with Marian Catholic Board of Directors' executive committee to re-examine policies and procedures in light of Catholic identity and IHM values.

Sister Mary Jane said Pope Francis encourages responding in new ways to issues that have not been faced in the past. "I think Pope Francis, one of his most popular quoted interviews, indicated that he said, 'Who am I to judge?' And I think he reflects compassion and case for all people."

Sister Mary Jane said she does not expect a change in Church doctrine.

She would not comment on Barb Webb's firing. But she said this is a difficult time for the Marian community and for Webb.

Sister Mary Jane said the IHM congregation had heard from alumnae of Marian High School and other IHM-sponsored schools who held diverse views.

Virginia Gordan, Michigan Radio Newsroom