PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia's archbishop says Roman Catholic school leaders who fired a married gay religion teacher showed "character and common sense."
Archbishop Charles Chaput (SHAP'-yoo) says the Sisters of Mercy and board members who run Waldron Mercy Academy are simply being "honest" about the church's teaching. The church opposes gay marriage.
Of gays, Pope Francis has said: "Who am I to judge?" The pope plans to visit Philadelphia in September.
Margie Winters says she lost her job last month as Waldron's religious instruction director even though she had disclosed her same-sex marriage in 2007.
Many parents are upset by her dismissal.
Principal Nell Stetser tells parents that the school recognizes the archbishop's authority on religious teaching.
However, Chaput spokesman Ken Gavin says the archdiocese "did not influence" Waldron's decision.
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