INDIANAPOLIS–The Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis said the firings of some teachers for being in same-sex marriages are justified by church teaching. Archbishop Charles Thompson and Superintendent Gina Fleming also reminded people concerned about the firings that it’s up to the church who works for the Catholic schools.

Both spoke at a Thursday news conference.

“This is not a witch hunt. We don’t go looking for these situations,” said Thompson, speaking of the firings that include Shelly Fitzgerald, a former counselor at Roncali High School, and a teacher last week from Cathedral High School. The archdiocese also decided to separate from Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School over its refusal to fire a gay teacher.

“When they are brought to my attention, though, because it is my responsibility, my duty, to oversee the living of the faith, especially for our ministerial witnesses. This isn’t about looking back and trying to find things in peoples’ past,” said Thompson.

When the administration finds out someone within their employ is leading a life that goes against church teaching, he said they try to “accompany” them, according to the teaching of Pope Francis.

“Our first desire is how do we help reconcile the situation with church teaching. Pope Francis says meet people where they are. But, we don’t leave them there. We accompany them. We walk with them more fully toward Christ,” he said.

“We have many success stories over the years where we’ve been able to walk with individuals and bring them along toward where the church wants them to be and where they need to be according to church teaching,” said Gina Fleming, superintendent of Catholic Schools.

She said the issues first came up in the same week that the archbishop was installed two years ago. Since then, she says the administration has been trying to work with the teachers in question, until their firings.

“It is a privilege, not a right, to work and serve in our Catholic schools. And, when individuals signs our ministerial language, they do so, we assume, in good faith,” said said.

Thompson said the love of Christ is sacrificial.

“Our society places great emphasis on tolerance, which is kind of like live and let live. But, Jesus calls us to more than tolerance. Jesus calls us to love, and love is sacrificial,” said Thompson. “The most we may have to sacrifice with tolerance might be our principles to get along. But, Jesus says we have to love and sacrifice our own lives, and well-being.”

Some teachers have sacrificed their jobs, rather than break up their marriages.