Cape Coral woman banned from teaching
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| Thu, 06-24-2004 - 1:49pm |
http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=33214
By Associated Press
Thursday, June 24, 2004
FORT MYERS, Fla. - A 62-year-old Cape Coral woman who married her lesbian partner in Massachusetts was banned from teaching in the Christian Science church after she refused to ``repent'' for her actions.
Kathleen Clementson returned her teaching credentials and left the church. Her former students are now considered by the Christian Science board of directors to have had no primary instruction.
Clementson married Suzanne Nightingale, 49, on a Cape Cod beach on May 20, before Massachusetts began enforcing a ban on gay marriages by out-of-state couples. The women have since bought a town house in that state, and said they plan to move there.
An Associated Press photo taken at the service was sent to newspapers around the world, and many people recognized Clementson's name in connection with the church, she said.
The church sent Clementson a letter in early June saying she had abused her role as a teacher, but did not define the abuse. The letter directed her to cut ties with former students, and said she could teach again only if she repented and served a three-year probation.
``They were not specific,'' Clementson said. ``I don't feel I have anything to repent for more than anyone else.''
The Boston-based church said Thursday it was preparing a statement about the incident which it planned to release by the end of the day. A local governing board member said the Christian Science Church of Cape Coral will abide by the Mother Church's decision.
Clementson's former students who are now church-approved practitioners can no longer advertise their services in the Christian Science Journal, or take annual refresher courses.
But few people will be seriously affected by the board's decision, Clementson said.
A former student, Hal Gimlin, of North Carolina, said he will maintain his relationship with Clementson - and the church.
``I love my religion,'' he said. ``I'm not thrilled with what is going on. I think they overdid it.''

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Agreed... that makes zero sense to me. Did what they learn evaporate?
For myself I wouldn't say that it adversely affects her employer, but her actions are contrary to church policy. And as a church that's probably enough to "justify" their actions.
~mark~
It should be challenged. Hiding behind a religious shield only to flaunt employment laws is not right.
Seperation of church and state, remember? It cuts both ways to a certain degree I suppose. Fair or foul, churches aren't subject to the full range of laws regular businesses are subject to.
"but what of her students?"
They got shafted, no argument. Welcome to Life 101.
~mark~
That is the bottom line.
The church is well within their rights to dismiss her as well.
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