Wisconsin Lay Minister Terminated by Bishop
Submitted by Jim Beyers
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Kolpack had been the subject of anonymous letters to Morlino complaining that her views are contrary to Church teaching. The cause for termination, however, was Kolpack’s refusal, at the meeting with the bishop, to recant her St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, M Div thesis (2003), titled “Inclusive Language for Naming God: Challenge for the Church.” There was no discussion of the anonymous letters. Bishop Morlino had earlier asked her Pastor, Fr. Steve Kortendick, to fire Kolpack and Kortendick reportedly refused.
In protest against the dismissal, members of VOTF and Call to Action demonstrated outside a meeting being held by Bishop Morlino on Saturday, March 14. Morlino was confronted by the group and said only, “You do not have the full story.” He later made statements that cast doubt on Kolpack’s good character. A representative of the Diocese told the National Catholic Reporter that he cannot disclose the reason for the firing, “out of respect for the dignity and good reputation of every person involved”.
