Throwing the first stone

Once again a Catholic institution has made a mockery out of what it means to be prolife: In the same school year that preschool teacher Michelle McCusker was fired by St. Rose of Lima School in Queens, New York, for becoming pregnant without being married, Robb McCoy has now been fired by Bishop Feehan Catholic High School in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, for being in the same situation, though on the other side of the it-takes-two equation.

Of course, equally ridiculous is that McCoy went to his parish priest to talk about the possibility of marriage. The priest refused because the couples wasn't seeking marriage "for the right reasons." OK ... Even if that was true, is that really up to Father?

And then, the coup de grace, McCoy was fired for violating the Fall Rivers diocese's "celibacy policy" for single teachers. (Aren't all single people "celibate" by definition, that is, unmarried?) Talk about having to take your work home; glad my employee handbook doesn't cover my personal life.

Great, so now we have a new dad, who neither encouraged his girlfriend to have an abortion nor abandoned her, who doesn't have a job because he had sex outside of marriage. Is it prolife to fire people who do the "right" thing? Now, of course, the infant lacks the income her father might have provided her. Once again, being prolife ends up meaning being pro-fetus instead of fully pro-child.

And talk about a teachable moment for the kids at Bishop Feehan: How great would it have been for McCoy to share his story, acknowledge the ramifications of (obviously unprotected) premarital sex, and then serve as an example of someone who takes responsibility? And what an example the school itself could have offered by supporting someone in his situation? Instead, we've pointed out just how hypocritical Christians can be to a group (adolescents) who doesn't need to be reminded how hypocritical adults and their institutions can be.

Let's be honest: If everyone's hidden sins in this matter were to be revealed, there would have to be a lot more firings. And, of course, no one even considers that treating an employee in this way violate Catholic social teaching--you know that "less important" (and ignored because it would actually require something of us) body of teaching about human rights, the needs of families, and just working conditions.

So sorry, Robb, despite what Jesus said, in this church the truth will not make you free. It will only get you fired.