Diocese issues ‘Q & A’ to explain termination of dissenting catechist

More house cleaning. ;)

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Madison, Wis., May 8, 2009 / 03:53 pm (CNA).- In response the backlash that occurred following the termination of a Madison catechist due to her "serious dissent" from Church teachings, the diocese has produced a "Q & A" document to clarify any confusion or rumors which have surfaced following the incident.

Ruth Kolpack, a 35-year employee of the Diocese of Madison, was fired in March by Madison Bishop Robert Morlino for failure to "present the complete and authentic teaching of the Church." The bishop’s office also noted that Kolpack is in "serious dissent on fundamental doctrinal issues" and should not be in a role where she is entrusted with teaching the Catholic faith to others.

Some groups such as Call to Action and Voice of the Faithful have organized support for Kolpack saying that she was fired due to a graduate thesis that she wrote calling for "women’s ordination." They also claim that Bishop Morlino has plans to shut down St. Thomas Parish. Both of these allegations were strongly denied by the diocese in their document.

Before Kolpack was fired, the bishop offered her the opportunity to "assure him that she would faithfully carry out her role as a catechist of the Roman Catholic faith."

Kolpack said that she could not "in good conscience" comply.

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