Music director at Michigan church fired over same-sex marriage revelation

A music director at St. Francis Church in Traverse City, Michigan, was fired on October 18, just months before his planned retirement. Fred Szczepanski was dismissed after church officials learned he married his same-sex partner in 2020. His firing has sparked protests from choir members and churchgoers, who expressed their anger outside the church with signs reading “Love Not Hate.” Choir members also staged a silent protest by wearing black and leaving their seats empty. The Diocese of Gaylord, which oversees the church, stated it cannot discuss individual personnel matters. The Catholic Church traditionally opposes same-sex marriage, although Pope Francis has allowed blessings for same-sex couples.