Catholic church removes gay married man from his activities
"Nicholas Coppola’s faith means everything to him. His Long
Island home is full of religious books, pictures of cardinal timothy
Dolan even the word, faith.
“Father Nick said I have to remove you from any public ministry, he said I have no choice,” said Coppola.
Coppola was teaching religious instruction, he was a
Eucharistic minister and also a lector then in January, he got word from
his church in oceanside he couldn’t do any of it anymore. He never
thought marrying the love of his life a man would cost him that.
“What was pointed out, you made a very public statement
getting married, I think the question was asked why, I said I got
married like any other loving couple,” said Coppola.
The pastor of Saint Anthony’s Church in Oceanside told us
“He’s always welcome to come to the church and receive the sacraments as
far as I’m concerned.”
Pastor Nicholas Lombardi says the decision came from the Diocese of Rockville Center.
The Diocese received an anonymous letter complaining of
Coppola’s marital status and sent a letter the parish. He showed us
copies.
The Diocese of Rockville Center told us in a statement:
“Gay married people cannot be on staff in the position that he held, however the church is welcoming of all persuasions.”
Coppola just wants to get back to doing what he loved so much."
St. Anthony is a parish that is staffed by Jesuits.
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