Michigan church fires beloved music director after learning of his gay marriage, sparking outrage among parishioners

A beloved music director at a Michigan catholic church was fired after an unknown source informed church officials of his same-sex marriage — sparking outrage from parishioners, with many protesting and some renouncing their membership over the termination.

Fred Szczepanski was canned from his position at St. Francis Church in Traverse City on Oct. 18 after the church officials discovered he had a same-sex marriage ceremony to his longtime partner in Nevada in 2020, according to Traverse City Record-Eagle.  

Szczepanski, known by churchgoers as “Mr. Fred,” was confronted by Rev. Michael Lingaur after church leaders received a letter from an unnamed individual about his marriage.

When confronted, he confirmed the marriage and was informed by Lingaur that his services were no longer needed after serving as the church’s music director for 34 years. Szczepanski was also told he could no longer take communion during worship services.

Following his termination, the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, wrote in a statement that Szczepanski’s marriage violates the ministerial agreement condition of his employment.

“A public act of same-sex marriage is a formal recognition that a relationship is more than friendship, and thereby jeopardizes a ministerial agreement for employment,” the Diocese said.

“Marriage is a permanent, faithful and exclusive covenant between one man and one woman.”

However, the firing outraged parishioners, leading to multiple shows of protest in support of Szczepanski.

Choir members wore black, left their seats empty, and refused to sing during mass on Oct. 20.

Then, on Oct. 27, supporters of the longtime music director picketed outside the church in protest before carrying signs reading: “Love Not Hate,” “God Includes, Not Excludes,” and “Fired Not Retired.”

“People are hurt, people are sad, in a time where there is so much controversy in the world, the church needs to be a place of peace, and instead its turmoil after turmoil,” churchgoer Toni Stanfield told the outlet.

Some parishioners and choir members even renounced their St. Francis church membership or planned to, according to the outlet.

A former church choir member, Liz Yarch, said she resigned over the firing and that “some people were told” Szczepanski retired and wasn’t fired.

“Last I checked, people who have served for over 30 years get a retirement party,” Yarch told the outlet.

“Fred was fired for his personal life and I find that cruel.”

Szczepanski had announced earlier this year that he planned to retire in January, which further outraged many parishioners and choir members who believed he should have been allowed to retire.

“He got fired because he’s gay,” choir member Bob Holden said.

“He’s extremely talented, he’s perfect on the piano, he has perfect pitch and because of him, I look forward to going to church every week. I’m divorced. Do I get thrown out next?”

Dave Martin, a member of the church’s pastoral council, said he was one of the church officials who received the letter, which he said had an out-of-state postmark and was written by a person “who had a seasonal connection to St. Francis,” according to the outlet.

Martin and Rev. Lingaur referred to a statement issued by the Diocese when further asked about the firing, according to the outlet.

“Somebody got wind of that and did some digging,” choir member Sherry Koenig told the outlet.

“It’s despicable what has happened and how it has happened. Mr. Fred is kind, honorable, and caring.”

The longtime music director’s husband, Bill Thompson, has set up a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of insurance, legal fees, and bills.

The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported that Szczepanski declined to comment on whether he planned to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.

To worship, however, Szczepanski has been welcomed with open arms at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation said over 245 people attended its service on Nov. 3 to “affirm and stand with Mr. Fred Szczepanski.”