A gay man fired from his job as worship director at Holy Family Catholic Church in Inverness met Sept. 9 with Cardinal Francis George about the matter.
Colin Collette was let go from his position in late July after he announced on social media that he and his partner, William Nifong, were engaged. Though many in the community rallied behind the couple, Collette and Nifong still have been unable to discern who registered their unhappiness over the wedding announcement, and why Collette was relieved of his duties so suddenly.
Collette told Windy City Times Sept. 6 that he intended to ask who it was that complained about Nifong and him.
"That's one thing I intend to ask," Collette said. "I have a right to know who that was."
According to Chicago Tribune, Collette said Sept. 9 that he was grateful that George had agreed to the meeting. "This is an incredibly difficult time for him," Collette said. "... I was moved beyond words that he would meet with me. We prayed together. He was wonderful. He was very pastoral."
Collette asked for the meeting not knowing what to expect. Another Holy Family parishioner had met with George about the matter, so Collette sent the archbishop an email request. He soon got a response back from George, asking when he wanted to meet.
"My head is sort of spinning, but as I said over and over, my whole life has been the church. It's my love. It's my passion, and I pray for the opportunity to do that," Collette told the Tribune. He left many details of the meeting private, but did express his gratitude for the support he's received.
"I'm not that naive to know that there are some people who believe that who I am basically is wrong. I'm not that naive, but the love and support I have received is truly humbling and is beyond words," Collette said.
Chicago Tribune's article is at: trib.in/1nJNoqy .