Musician fired by Catholic Church meets cardinal

Chicago (AP) — Chicago Roman Catholic Cardinal Francis George met Tuesday with a former church employee who was fired after announcing his engagement with his longtime partner.

Colin Collette emerged from the meeting describing his talk with the ailing church leader as "spiritual." However, he didn't offer specifics about his meeting with George, including whether he asked for his job back.

Collette was music director at Holy Family Church in the Chicago suburb of Inverness until he announced his planned marriage to his partner on social media. Collette says Holy Family Pastor Terry Keehan asked for his resignation. He said he left without resigning, but was later fired.

Archdiocese of Chicago officials have pointed out it doesn't comment on individual personnel issues. However, the Archdiocese has said those serving as ministers, including worship ministers, are "expected to conform their lives publicly with the teachings of the church."

Collette said Tuesday he is still unemployed, but remains committed to the Catholic Church. He attributed that attitude to a life-long love and passion, adding he prays for the opportunity to continue his work with the church.

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The Gayly – September 10, 2014 @ 10:05am