The Archdiocese of Denver terminated Maggie Barton, a teacher from All Souls Catholic School in Englewood, after discovering her same-sex relationship.

It clarified the decision was made due to Barton's contract violation involving the observance of "Catholic living."

The Archdiocese has stated that being attracted to someone of the same sexual orientation is not grounds for dismissal; nonetheless, the fact that Barton has continued to be in the relationship violates the conditions of her contract.

Maggie Barton's Side

Barton shared her sentiments after being fired as a teacher. She stated that once the Archdiocese found a photo of her and her partner, she was notified that she would receive a call from the Archdiocese. 

The former teacher admitted to having a same-sex relationship when she received the official's phone call.

As reported, the official asked Barton numerous questions regarding her understanding of the Catholic faith and whether or not she was aware of the church's stance on same-sex attraction and other such matters.

Barton described the conversation as a "very uncomfortable conversation."

The following day, All Souls Catholic School officials notified her that her employment had been terminated.

During his six years at the K-8 school, Barton served as both a teacher of technology and a media specialist.

In 2017, Barton went to Colorado after accepting a post at All Souls and deciding to live there. 

Since she relocated, she has had no other employment besides teaching at All Souls Catholic School.

Barton is in the process of seeking a new job at the moment. 

According to her, the All Souls community has shown much support. The parents even started a GoFundMe account to assist her with her financial obligations while she was looking for work.

Barton strongly desires to remain in education and believes she has much to offer another learning institution. She has high aspirations of finding something unrelated to the Archdiocese.

She stated that her faith was tested significantly once her employment was terminated.

Archdiocese of Denver's Statement

According to the statement released by the Archdiocese of Denver, a recent report of the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of a school teacher from All Souls Catholic Parish is inaccurate and requires correction. 

The school was compelled to terminate the teacher's employment because she failed to fulfill the obligations stipulated in her contract. 

As a church minister, each Catholic school teacher in the Archdiocese of Denver signs a contract that says that at the beginning of each school year, they pledged to "personally [exemplify] the characteristics of Catholic living." 

It reportedly includes "refraining from taking any public position or behaving in a manner contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church."

In one instance, the school was informed that one of its teachers was involved in a same-sex relationship. 

After discussing it with the teacher, it was determined that she plans to continue violating the standards she had pledged to respect. 

Employees who violate any of the provisions of their employment agreement are aware from the beginning of their job that they will be terminated.

As mentioned, even if a Catholic school worker were attracted to someone of the same gender, that would not be a reason to fire them.

Nonetheless, all Catholic school personnel in the Archdiocese of Denver are obliged to adhere to the conditions of the contract they signed and the promises they make, including the responsibilities quoted in the agreement.

The purpose of the written disclosure of expectations and teachers' signing and committing to those criteria at the beginning of each school year is to safeguard the Catholic identity of its schools. 

It said it is a guarantee to the parents that their children will receive a genuine and comprehensive Catholic education. 

As stated, a school that presents itself as a Catholic school but does not provide a Catholic education is unjust.

As Catholic institutions, archdiocesan schools retain the right to ensure that their ministers, which includes their teachers, give a faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

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