On March 12, 2009, Ruth Kolpack was fired from her position as Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Beloit, Wisconsin. She had served the parish for the past 35 years.
The decision to fire Ruth, effective immediately, came after a ten minute meeting with Bishop Robert Morlino of the Catholic Diocese of Madison.
During this meeting, Ruth was asked to denounce her master's thesis, titled, "Inclusive Language for Naming God: A Challenge for the Church," in order to keep her job; she was given no opportunity to defend her work, nor explain why it would be dishonest for her to conform to the Bishop's request.
We sincerely believe that the decision to fire Ruth was made without a full disclosure of Ruth's faithful service to the Church.
We respectfully ask the Bishop to reconsider the discharge of Ruth.
Those of us who have known her for many years, know Ruth as an outstanding example of faith and commitment to all the members of the Catholic community.
We the undersigned, respectfully petition you for your reconsideration of the discharge of Ruth Kolpack as Pastoral Assistant of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church of Beloit, WIsconsin.
We sincerely believe your decision was made without a full disclosure to you of the faithful service given to your Church by Ms. Kolpack. Those of us who have known her for many years, can attest to her outstanding example of faith and commitment.
Those of us who do not know Ruth personally, but understand her story, indeed believe that her years of devotion merit reconsideration of your decision in the interest of good will, fairness and respect for her academic integrity.
Your Excellency, we thank for this consideration.
