Waldron Mercy meeting set over dismissal of director in same-sex marriage

Waldron Mercy Academy principal Nell Stetser said Monday that the school would hold a special meeting in September for parents to discuss the firing of a religious studies director who was married to another woman.

In a statement, Stetser said she understood that the decision to not renew Margie Winters' contract "continues to cause a great deal of pain and heartfelt questioning." She said she wanted to explain the decision and hear from parents, faculty, and staff. In addition to the September meeting, she said, there will be another meeting in the fall for the Waldron community to talk with the school's leadership.

Winters, who was the director of religious education and outreach, was dismissed in June after a parent complained to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Catholic Education about her marriage to Andrea Vettori. Winters says she told the principal she was married when she was hired. The school maintains gay marriage is against Catholic teaching.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and the Sisters of Mercy, which oversees the private Main Line school, supported the decision to oust Winters. Parents have fought for her reinstatement through a vigil, meetings with the board of trustees, social media, and a march to archdiocesan headquarters to deliver a petition. - Kathy Boccella