Madison Catholics Begin Withholding Campaign
Since Bishop Morlino has announced his decision not to reinstate Ruth Kolpack, the church employee he fired in March over her masters' thesis on inclusive language, we are asking fellow Catholics to respond to Bishop Morlino's Annual Catholic Appeal fundraiser by returning their appeal envelopes without money and with the words "Reinstate Ruth."
This collection occured at parishes in the Diocese of Madison last week, but we know there are some straggler envelopes that are yet to be turned in. This new appeal is being waged this year as the Diocese has come up short on meeting this portion of its annual budget, providing funds for needed ministry, education and services throughout the Diocese.
We are asking Catholics in the Madison Diocese to withhold their funds until the Diocese reinstates Ruth and creates a worker justice policy in line with Catholic social justice teaching.
A Campaign for Church Worker Justice
On March 12, 2009, Ruth Kolpack was fired from her position as Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Beloit, Wisconsin. She had served the parish for the past 35 years.
The decision to fire Ruth, effective immediately, came after a ten minute meeting with Bishop Robert Morlino of the Catholic Diocese of Madison.
During this meeting, Ruth was asked to denounce her master's thesis, titled, 'Inclusive Language for Naming God: A Challenge for the Church.' Admitting to only have read 'bits and pieces' of the thesis, the Bishop didn't give Ruth an opportunity to defend her work, nor explain why it would be dishonest for her to conform to the Bishop's request.
The decision to fire Ruth, effective immediately, came after a ten minute meeting with Bishop Robert Morlino of the Catholic Diocese of Madison.
During this meeting, Ruth was asked to denounce her master's thesis, titled, 'Inclusive Language for Naming God: A Challenge for the Church.' Admitting to only have read 'bits and pieces' of the thesis, the Bishop didn't give Ruth an opportunity to defend her work, nor explain why it would be dishonest for her to conform to the Bishop's request.
A few weeks later, the Bishop changed his reason for dismissing Ruth. He cited a lack of confidence in her ability to conduct authentic Catholic teaching. No specifics were given as to when or how Ruth's work led to a lack of confidence.
On April 3rd, 344 people gathered at St. Thomas as 10 parishioners shared stories as to how Ruth has witness to the work of Jesus at St. Thomas and the Beloit community. And they testified to the fact that Ruth has abided to the Church's teaching, never having taught in conflict with the Church.
As the Bishop left St. Thomas that night, he told those gathered, 'I want you to know that I will take this whole matter to prayer during Holy Week.' On April 22nd, Ruth learned the opposite. She was told the Bishop never intended to revisit his decision. In addition, she was informed that she no longer could volunteer in any way at the church--in direct conflict with the Decree of the Laity from Vatican II that says it is the Lord who calls us to participation in the Church not the bishop.
Throughout the tremendous turmoil of the last few months, Ruth and the parishioners of St. Thomas have never been given an adequate explanation for her dismissal. Evidently, the Bishop expects the people of St. Thomas to simply accept the firing without any plausible reasons for his actions.
We stand with Ruth to find out the specific reasons for the Bishop's loss of confidence and what it would take to restore that confidence. And we will also press on with a call to church workers' rights nationally.
Sign Our Online Petition!
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