Bob Russell
Posted on 09/16/2011 1:18:00 PM PDT by NYer
Bob Russell
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBS 2) – He says he can’t take it anymore.
A gay choir director at a Catholic Church in New Jersey has quit his job because he says the priest is making his work environment hostile.
But does he have a case?
St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in East Rutherford is where Bob Russell has been the choir director for decades. On Thursday, however, the 55-year-old was taking boxes into the parish to pack up his belongings.
“Felt that I was put into a position that I had to resign my job because of my sexuality,” Russell told CBS 2′s Christine Sloan.
Russell, who grew up Catholic, said his work environment has become hostile since a new priest took over and started strongly preaching against homosexuality.
“The sermon line was that marriage between two men is a lie,” Russell said.
The Catholic Church does not condone homosexuality, Sloan reported.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Newark, which now runs the parish, said no one will comment because the church does not discuss personnel matters.
Russell said it wasn’t the sermon, but what the priest told him in private that made him realize it was time to go.
“When I spoke to Father Joseph and I told him that I was a gay man in a domestic-partner relationship, he told me that he would eventually like a children’s choir and that I wouldn’t be a good example to lead a children’s choir,” Russell said.
Legal analysts say the church has the right to preach its beliefs because freedom of religion is protected by the Constitution.
“I believe that nobody should have to hide what they believe in,” one woman told Sloan.
But parishioners at the church said they are baffled and could care less Russell is gay.
“I think he should have stayed,” Renato Pierantoni said. “I think he’s a great guy.”
Additional information at the following link.
Music Director Leaves Church Over Priest's Antigay Statements
Sounds like my kind of church. If you feel uncomfy at your church you move on. I’ve left churches before because of a new minister that we didn’t like for one reason or another. What’s the big deal ya sissy?
This teaching must have really taken Mr. Russell by surprise - where could it have possibly come from?
Excellent!! The priest "gets it"!
Another guy who “called himself Catholic” for decades who was not?
Sounds like a better outcome than the way Donald Young “departed” the congregation of Rev Wright’s church. Has that murder been solved?
He will have no problem with the Episcopal Church down the street.
This man claims that he has to leave his job due to others making the workplace hostile? It is he and the rest of the homosexual agenda crowd who are making workplaces hostile! Their behavior is disgusting and immoral and they are trying to force others to accept it. They are the ones who are vile and are causing others hostilities! People need to fight back against these perverts.
What a sick bunch
it was the choir director what was gay not the choir itself.
only ‘gay’ choirs I know of hail from sf.
He should have been fired as soon as they found out he was a pervert. Letting homosexuals around kids is what led to the priest abuse scandal.
Good for this priest. Finally, someone has a spine!
A priest preaching Sacred Scripture is news? what times we live in...
What could possibly go wrong with a gay choir master?
Absolutely nothing. The decision to leave was his.
Exactly! He served the parish commendably for so many years but when it came to his sexuality, he chose to leave. FWIW, I know several gay catholics in partnered relationships who are drawn to worship on a regular basis. They are obviously aware of catholic teachings on the subject yet come all the same because a priest does not address the topic more directly in a homily. Once challenged, however, they run. If they are so aware of the church's position, what is it that keeps them coming, especially when they have no intention of changing their personal relationship. (this is a rhetorical question).
And herein lies the problem
“The sermon line was that marriage between two men is a lie,” Russell said.
DUH.. It is.
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