Waldron Mercy Principal Addresses School Over Fired Gay Teacher

The controversy over the Catholic school teacher who was fired due to her same-sex marriage has “shaken” the surround community to the core, according to the school’s principal.

In a letter sent to parents of Waldron Mercy Academy this afternoon, Principal Nell Stetser called for unity and a “rebuilding process,” within the school community. That process, according to the principal, will include a series of conversations “about the complex challenges that we face today.”

“Our Waldron Mercy family has been shaken,” wrote Stetser. “We have been challenged to our core. Parents have contacted me, and I know many of us are hurting. I understand that there are feelings of frustration, disappointment, betrayal, anger and sorrow. I, too, feel deep pain in this situation. These feelings weigh heavy in all our hearts.

“Despite the discord and conflict deep within us, I believe our strength lies in the common passion we share for your children and their education,” she continued. “So with a humble heart, I am asking you to join me in the process of healing and rebuilding our Waldron Mercy community.”

At the center of the controversy is Margie Winters, who had been an educator and director of religious studies at the Waldron Mercy Academy for the past eight years. She has stated she was dismissed after at least two parents learned of her marriage to her wife, Andrea Vettori. However, according to Winters, the school had known of their relationship since 2007.

The school has yet to respond to a request to confirm that they had already know about their marriage.

Despite the complaints from the two parents that reportedly led to her dismissal, Winters has in the meantime enjoyed support from hundreds of parents, students and teachers, most recently at a prayer vigil on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a Go Fund Me page, created three days ago with the aim of helping to support Winters and her wife financially in the aftermath of losing her job, has so far raised more than $14,000.

On Monday, Sister Patricia Vetrano, president of the Sisters of Mercy, which runs the school, said the leadership team has opted to affirm Stetser’s choice not to renew Winters’ contract.

“At its very core, Waldron Mercy Academy is a Catholic elementary school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, who are responsible for ensuring that the school consistently follows the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially in terms of faith formation and religious education,” read the letter. “As a Catholic school, Waldron Mercy is responsible for adhering to the teachings of the Catholic Church in its curriculum and programs and as a public witness in the wider community. Our concern in this situation is Waldron Mercy’s authentic participation in the mission of Catholic education.”

That letter was sent out just hours after Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput praised and defended the school and its leaders for firing Winters, describing the matter as “a simple matter of honesty” and “common sense.”

“Schools describing themselves as Catholic take on the responsibility of teaching and witnessing the Catholic faith in a manner true to Catholic belief,” read the statement. “There’s nothing complicated or controversial in this. It’s a simple matter of honesty.

“I’m very grateful to the Religious Sisters of Mercy and to the principal and board members of Waldron Mercy for taking the steps to ensure that the Catholic faith is presented in a way fully in accord with the teaching of the church,” Chaput added. “They’ve shown character and common sense at a moment when both seem to be uncommon.”