L.U.K.E. (St. Luke Families in support of Love, Unity, Kindness, and Equality) condemns discriminatory hiring practices on the basis of sexual identity or marital status and we seek the immediate reinstatement of our beloved teacher. We further seek an amendment to the Office of Catholic Schools Employee personnel handbook to include ‘marital status’ to the anti-discrimination policy (Section 3.1A). 

We are disappointed Father Brad would make a decision of this magnitude that significantly impacts a school and parish which he will no longer be a part of starting July 1. While we recognize the Seattle Archdiocese has bestowed the power to make these employment decisions onto the local priests and parishes, we believe the ambiguity of Section 9 of the Seattle Archdiocesan Ministerial Covenant leads to inconsistent applications of those guidelines that can differ from one parish to another. This essentially grants one individual the power to determine what is best for their community, not based on any specific guideline, recommendation, or doctrine, but rather on what that individual believes is right or wrong, and without soliciting feedback from the community they serve.

Considering our school’s theme this year of “Reflecting God’s Kindness”, we ask all parents, friends, and community members to avoid hateful rhetoric and approach situations with Love, Unity, Kindness and Equality in mind.