Bishop’s statement against hiring homosexual teachers stirs controversy

Mar 22, 2005 / 22:00 pm

A new charter for Scotland’s Catholic schools says all teachers must “support and promote the aims, missions, values and ethos of the schools.”

However, one bishop has been criticized for having interpreted this statement to mean that homosexuals should not be hired to teach in Catholic schools, reported the Scottish Political Editor.

Bishop Joseph Devine of Motherwell said the church’s Charter for Catholic Schools implies that homosexual teachers are incompatible with Catholic education. 

In an interview with the Scottish Political Editor, the president of the Catholic Education Commission said: "Being homosexual would not at all be compatible with the charter. It would cut across the whole moral vision enshrined in the charter. It would be offering a lifestyle that is incompatible with Catholic social teaching."

According to the publication, the bishop said the charter would provide the framework to make sure homosexuals were not employed in Catholic schools and would probably limit the promotion opportunities of those already employed.

The charter has yet to be implemented, but politicians, local government and parent groups say the bishop’s interpretation of the charter is discrimination.

According to the Scottish Political Editor, the Church has had discussions with COSLA, the local government body, over its charter, and the councils are adamant that any plans to discriminate in any way against homosexuals are not acceptable and not legal.

The Scottish Executive also stressed the need to hire the best staff possible regardless of sexual orientation.