I am freaking out. I have been employed at a Catholic School for 7 years as a 5th grade teacher and I love it. I have been engaged to my wonderful fiance for a year and a half. When I recently told my principal I was getting married she told me I would be fired. (My fiance has been divorced and cannot marry in a Catholic church until it is anulled, so we were just going to get married in a beautiful Christian church--which I prefer, actually) But she said if I am not married in the catholic church, I am "not modeling catholic beliefs" and would be fired. First of all, this is 2006 in AMERICA, for pete's sake, but all the dogma aside--I want to get married AND I want to keep my job.... What should I do? The anullment process for our situation would take about 2 years. I DO NOT want to put my life on hold that long. I am 32!
2006-06-22 20:15:33 · 23 answers · asked by feeshbulb 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
i'm in California..I am Cathoilc, I am seriously the best teacher at that school, and they are using the broad phrase "modeling the cathoilc faith" to encompass anything they want... I don't know if i can sue... I don't think I can. Anyway the justice system sucks about as much as this stupid antiquated arbitrary rule does. There are teachers at my school that do not get in trouble for getting arrested!! Yet, I will be fired for GETTING MARRIED!?! Not fair.
2006-06-22 20:34:16 · update #1
First start looking fro a job that respects you privacy and personal beliefs. This is one of the reasons that I do not practice the Catholic faith any longer being that they invade on your private life with antiquated rules such as that! Second get a lawyer and see if you rights have been violated. The Catholic church is not as strong and untouchable as it once was. You may have a valid law suit for damages. And last and most important-congrats and have a happy, long and loving marriage!
2006-06-22 20:24:06 · answer #1 · answered by azguitar 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Here is a question that we've not had addressed. Are YOU Catholic? If you are, then unfortunately, you are pretty much stuck. Having professed faith in Catholic dogma, being employed by the Church, you are bound by their rules and regulations.
On the other hand, if you are not catholic, you may have legal ground to fight termination. Understand that this also depends upon the state in which you live. Some states have what we call "at-will" employment meaning that an employer can terminate you with or without cause. There are still some states which require and employer to have Just Cause in order to terminate your employment status.
So once you settle the religious question, consult a local attorney.
2006-06-23 03:25:27 · answer #2 · answered by Rev T L Clark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeesh...That's a tough one.
You have to live your life for yourselves though and put your priorities in order.
So, the most important thing for you is to get married to your fiance. If you are faced with losing your job over this, I'd suggest looking for a job at another school. Once you get settled in there, then you can get married - or get married sometime around the transition.
You've been told that you'll be fired from your job if you get married right now, and since it's a Catholic School, I'm not sure what your legal rights are in this situation.
It looks like you can't have your wedding cake and eat it too.
2006-06-23 03:22:10 · answer #3 · answered by chia_vampire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason you should put your life on hold, and there is no reason, why your boss should say something like that to you, if I were you I would go to the rectory of the church, or the priests, or some other higher authority, and discuss it with them.
If by some chance they do fire you, I am sure that there are lots of schools out there that need good teachers, but don't put your life on hold for job, if the guy loves you, he'll support you in this,
congratulations, and have a good and happy life together :)
2006-06-23 03:21:13 · answer #4 · answered by dahorndogd013 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did they know you was not married before, I know a good lawyer and I'm sure you do also so go see one.
Since you are unemployed you call lawyer [ ref ] and they will give you a number of a Pro-Bone-O Lawyer and he will advise you of your rights.
Don't put your life on hold your fiance loves you and you both need to be together now, Just as if you two have planned.
This should not put a soar note on both of your lives.
So stand up straight and walk with your head high and be proud for someone loves you enough to spend this rest of his life with you.
What comes around goes around times is on your side you have # 2 years on act of omission.
2006-06-23 03:23:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seek legal advice.... your employer has no right to dictate who you marry or where you marry. A true Christian would value love and the sanctity of marriage regardless of past circumstances. This principal has no right to judge you, and unless it's in your contract that you must be married in the Catholic church, hasn't a legal leg to stand on.
The bible preaches understanding and forgiveness, children understand this if nothing else. You are by no means setting a bad example for them!
Haul her @ss to court! Fight for what you want!!
I absolutely wish all the best for you.
2006-06-23 03:22:40 · answer #6 · answered by Chryss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow your in a sticky one! Your a teacher in a Catholic school so im assuming your religious,sweetie,Pray about your situation 1st,it works for me every time, that does not mean theres nothing you can do about it, you have 7 years experience and you could also look at other schools who would take you up.
Your presonal weelbeing goes a long way in how we present ourself too others,good men and happiness dont come along easily but good jobs do!
2006-06-23 03:34:23 · answer #7 · answered by eve 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's contractual - In my teaching contract, it says that I'm not allowed to marry someone outside of the Christian faith while employed at my school. It makes sense really - They say that teachers in that type of environment are supposed to be 'living examples of faith' and they expect us to model it. I'm not sure what you can do, but you definitely need to review your contract to make sure that it's stated clearly there. If it's not, then you have a case to argue.
2006-06-23 03:22:53 · answer #8 · answered by sayhello 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dunno, I would contact a lawyer or an attorney if I were you, how can a job fire you for a religous choice for the simple fact that most employers cannot discriminate against race creed color sex or religion? so what it becomes a double standard then if you are working for a religous place?, I'd really contact a lawyer or an attorney if I were you and I think that that is about the best advice you are going to get
2006-06-23 03:22:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
one option would be to quit your job, get married, then re-apply. or if that's not an option, the i would say to quit the job there, get married, and apply at a different school. that way you get what you want and you get to keep doing what you want as a career without potentially marring your resume with "fired for inappropriate behavior" or whatever. good luck!
2006-06-23 03:20:24 · answer #10 · answered by deepthoughtless 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋