While this woman had premarital sex, she was also engaged and was maried shortly after; in fact she was married so qickly aftr the pregnancy (3 weeks) that there is no way, outside of her admitting it, that anyone would have known.

If she'd been less honest and denied it, they would have assumed she had a 49 week pregnancy instead of a 52 wk one. and even as a "Leader" in her classes, there's no way most kids would have even thought to ask the question, nor would it have been their business.

49 week pregnancy? 52 week pregnancy? What exactly are you birthing? Humans have a gestation period of 40 weeks.

In addition, I don't see your point about being engaged and marrying shortly thereafter. If it's a Christian school then it uses a Biblical standard, which doesn't have a gray area for those engaged and soon to be married. God is pretty clear that having sex outside of marriage is immoral and a sin. I understand that we're all sinners, but that doesn't give us an excuse to not face the consequences of our actions.

I'm sure that when she joined the school to teach she more than likely signed a contract and agreed to uphold certain standards -including 'no fornication'. If she is to be teaching biblical principles and yet is not living them -that is being a hypocrite. No, everyone cannot be perfect and absolutely we under the age of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but there are time when discipline is necessary. I have mixed feelings, my husband is a Pastor and we have seen 'church discipline' become very difficult to even institute in today's churches when necessary (this is after many tries to bring the person back into a right relationship w/church and God -not an immediate 'shunning' -many people do not understand this -it is done in LOVE, not judgement to bring the person BACK to God if they have fallen away). So, I guess, if they exhausted all options -going to her personally (if they had know ahead of time to confront and speak with her -that would have been the obvious best situation). I do not, however, think she should sue - we are not to sue our christian brother or sister, so just by her actions she is showing that she is not following biblical principles. It really just makes me sad for her and for the school.

First, it was totally illegal for the principal to even ask the question about when the child was conceived. This is such hypocracy. Next thing we'll hear is that the principal has been having an extra-marital affair. Isn't that the way it always goes? Those who scream the loudest are the ones you have to watch!

Whether you agree with it or not is immaterial. The school is private and has the right to hire based on their criteria. If the applicant does not agree to the terms and conditions, they have the right not to accept the job.

That being said, the firing was ridiculous. A widow with 5 children that is not married to her husband losing her job.

The other parties that have rights are the parents. And if my child was a student there it would be their last year. I would not tolerate the lack of tolerance in this example.

There are different ways to look at "marriage" It says that is is a sacred vow between a man, women, and God. The actual "wedding" is the legality of it all. That is a way for the government to hold you legal accountable to each other. If you and your other have vowed to God to be a married couple that is one in the same. So who is to say that in Gods eyes they were not married? However, either way they should never released the reason for the firing. How moral are they to do that?

As a long time employee of a Christian church, I know I can speak for our staff: Not only would she keep her job, she would be welcomed and loved. Jesus taught grace and love for all, no matter their station in life. Period. Regardless of what scripture says it's is not our part to judge, period. If there is to be a judgement day for her it will not be on anyone's shoulders here on earth. Our mission is to love, accept and practice the grace of Jesus Christ. Fourth graders and parents of fourth graders as well as staff have zero business knowing the most intimate details of this woman's life.

tfaith5, do you just go around making up things? No where in the bible does it mention that you should not sue your "christian brother or sister". Second, yes, working for a private christain school a teacher should follow christain morals, but the teachers are still human, and since you say you are a christian, you would know that humans make mistakes, or "sin". If you are a pastor's wife, you would know that to be a true christian, you accept jesus into your heart as your lord and savior, and that you try to live a life according to the bible. But you know as a human, you will sin, and when you do you acknowledge that sin and ask for forgiveness. Jesus is all frogiving right? So instead of firing someone for committing a sin, they should have been christ like and used it as an example of forgiveness, and never told anyone who did not need to know. The funny thing is, I am not even a christian. One big reason is because of all this right here. People believing they are so hight and mighty and have the right to judge. I always hear, what would Jesus do? Do you really believe that Jesus would have fired this women, then gone around to everyone telling them private information to make himself look good and right, I don't think so.

No one is sin free. NO ONE. How many on staff at that school had pre-marital sex? Who would admit it? If they did, should they be fired just for being human? The big question is, would Jesus have cast out this woman, who was honest to a fault? I would think not.

I work at a private Christian school in Florida and wonder what makes the school administration the end all be all?What about the fact that they told everyone why she was fired which is slander and is against the law to reveal the circumstances surrounding the issue. I am a christian and believe that she had a baby out of love so what is so sinful about that?! I don't believe her morals should be on display for others to tear down. The woman was the same teacher after the baby as she was before, with a good moral compass or the school would have never hired her. God is the only one allowed to judge, to bad we can't ask him!

Depending on the state they do have the right to terminate the employee.

BUT

Ask any HR director for a private company (which is what a "christian" school is). You can not reveal publicly the reason for termination of a former employee. If a new potential employer calls and asks all you can say is "yes they worked here from this date x to date y. Revealing anything is a violation of Federal employment law.

Likewise any disciplinary action regarding any employee must never be made known to other employees. The second they had a meeting and told the other employees why she was fired they broke the law.

This happens a lot in small companies where the there is no trained Human Resources director. They leave themselves open to major lawsuits by not knowing the law. If you really read the article there was no specific morallity clause in her contract. Also just because it is a "Christian" school doesn't mean she has to be a christian. The school is a private employeer that has to follow federal employment guidelines. During the employment process where she was being hired to teach they cannot even ask what her religion is.

As a christian woman, I understand how important it is to follow God's commandments. It is very dangerous to be in ministry - teaching at a Christian school is considered ministry - and to still struggle with sexual desires. It is not easy and I commend her for making it to so far along before she committed fornication. For even the most devout, most disciplined Christians - when you are engaged, it is a time when you grow so close to your soon-to-be spouse that it can be very difficult without staying prayerful and putting practices into place to keep yourself from being tempted. It is particularly more difficult for people who are older, have had sex or had previously been married. With that said, there are principles and practices this school has and they must be respected. At the same time, this situation was handled very poorly. It was not ok for the principal to advertise this woman's business in that fashion. The word of God says that we are to confront the person one on one, and if the sin continues then we bring a witness, if it continues then they can be removed from the congregation. As christian people when are we going to stop hurting each other. If this had been done differently, maybe there would not be an issue. She doesn't get kudos for being honest, she is supposed to be honest. It is important to read the fine print and get a thorough understanding of the commitments we make before we sign a contract. Lastly, should we assume this woman is a Christian because she worked at a Christian school. Now I know from working in ministries, I had been asked to share my conversion experience, was that asked?

Oh wait --- wasn't Mary pregnant way before she married Joseph? What should the Jewish community have done then because she violated their "moral" clause - and yet we use "pregnant by God" as the excuse for allowing it. Wonder what the people thought baclk then BEFORE Jesus started preaching in his 30s?

And how would the teacher really know she was 3 weeks before her wedding - it's all a guess by the doctors anyways......as anyone who has gone into labor before or after the "magical" 40 weeks can attest to.

OH come on people. I understand if you are having a pull with your religious beliefs about premarital sex and what not, but what the principal did was flat out wrong. Not only did he fire her for something that she did outside and away from school that would not have been known had she not been honest like Christian's try to be, but he publicly invaded her privacy by telling everyone INCULDING her students. There was absolutely no reason to infrom her students exactly why they fired their teacher. I understand if you can't see the wrong in these events because you believe she sinned, but the truth is right there. Unless she was a horrible teacher and they were planning to fire her anyways, she should not have been fired for being honest. Before you go off judging and saying that the firing was just, what if it had been you? What if you were excellent at your job, but where then suddenly terminated because you did something that your boss didn't approve of in your personal life. It is not right nor is it very Christian of him to have judged her purely for one sin that she committed when I'm sure he himself has done plenty of sinning that could justify him being fired as well. Look past your religious beliefs and see the truth, what he did was wrong and unChristian.

If she did not want to adhere to the school policies, she should have taught in a different kind of school. This is about a school that teaches certain values and expects their teachers to adhere to them as well! How can she teach children a specific set of values if she does not believe in them and practice them herself? What kind of message would that send? However, I do not think the principal should have discussed the firing in front of anyone or with anyone! (Am I judging her? No, I think what she does is her own business!)

In other words, you're just a hypocrite because the reason you are pregnant and single. You know according to your beliefes that you had no business having sex and not being married so you should not even be speaking on this matter. You got pregnant and is supposed to save and there is no BUTS. You are so double standard.

So if she did not get pregnant, would they have fired her? So was she fired for getting pregnant or having sex. I think it is pregnant. This is simular to the case where the cheerleaders that were kicked off the cheerleading squad because they chose to have their babies but the ones that had abortions where not put off. You don't know what people are doing behind closed doors. So the only people that would really get punished are the ones that outwardly shows it. I think it came down to letting her go because he did not want to pay her maternity leave, which is against the law.

most idiotic thing i have ever heard . i would demand the principle take a full screening of his personal life . lets make sure this hypocrite isnt taking meth or having an affair. these people that preach being the upper moral law have all come tumbling down to earth . i would wager this principle has some skeletons in his closet.

christians seem to bend the rules and change the game when it comes to their own personal lives.

ask haggert how that is working out for him.

How often have we seen pastors do far worse but just claim that their leadership role causes them to fall under heavier attacks from “the enemy”. They get up in front of the congregation and put on those alligator tears, play on peoples emotions and preach a sermon on forgiveness. Seems like only pastors can be forgiven and be allowed to keep their jobs.

Some of you think she has to uphold the morals of the school...lets think about this--maybe every teacher at the school needs to have the home life evaluated. Do you think the school should inspect their homes, force the teacher to report their day to day activities to stay employed. Has every employee had to answer private questions. What are we telling our children. We as adults know we all make mistakes. Some admit wrong doing and learn from their own mistakes and go on to be very moral good people. This school is judgmental and teaching others to lie to avoid persecution. I fear this school is not teaching how to deal with real values and how to address those values when mistakes happen. This issue is not life threatning nor is it the end of the world a beautiful baby was born and a lovely have formed. If anything this teacher deserve to be happy and not judge. Sometimes the best teacher are the ones that can talk to our young kids about their experiences and guide children and young adults. Anyone who feels this school did the right thing should look really hard in the mirror, I am almost certain if you laid out all of your beliefs and mistakes for the school you'd be unemployed too. This ridulous!

EXACTLY. Well said. It's sad all the people out there that just want to allow bad behavior to be the rule instead of the exception. I laughed when the one comment was "did she know it was the company policy"? Um .. the Bible is pretty clear on that one. Thanks for your comment.

I agree with Poobear. Clearly her morals are based on GOD having already given this man to her as a helpmate. I am sure the principals morals are not exactly the same as others on his staff, and if the contract did not specifically address this issue, then she would not have known. After all, their are a few religions out there that allows "sex before marriage" without consequences. However Romans 14:1-13 reads: "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?"

I'm afraid you're one of the few who has received mercy and compassion from their church in such a situation. I firmly believe the school had grounds to fire her based on the fact that she was under contract to comply with the values of the school. If she had questions on what specificly this entailed, she should have asked. However, the school handled it very poorly, not only from a privacy standpoint but also according to guidelines for biblical discipline. She was shown very little forgiveness, compassion, mercy, or guidance from this supposedly Christian establishment.

Regardless of any moral values the school has set, the school itself violated our civil rights and right to privacy. The school seems to be just as much of a hypocrite. Its also a violation of our civil rights and right to privacy.

Newsflash: no one would've known that she had premarital sex until the idiot principal blabbed it all over the city. She probably was the perfect model of values and morals until everyone found out (illegally) that she commited a sin. And none of the students or parents had a right or even a need to know what went on in her own private bedroom that breaks no laws and hurts no one. Do you all honestly believe that all the staff's secrets and private lives should be out in the open and they should be constantly fired everytime they do something that God doesn't like? Teachers would come and go on a weekly basis, and how is that supposed to set a good example for the children?! How are children supposed to trust, confide in and respect people when they're being taught that everyone they thought was good is now bad in your eyes? All it will teach them is to not trust anyone and assume everyone is a dirty sinner. That is a terrible mentality.

Would they fire other teachers for asking for a raise (greed)? Or eating too much cake (gluttony)? Or looking at an attactive person (lust)? When do you draw the line? If they're not going to fire every single person for every single sin, then THEY are the hypocrites and are not doing their jobs. If they don't immediately quit or resign when they commit their own sins, then they are the hypocrites. Either fire everyone or fire no one, but they can't pick and choose just because they have a grudge against this poor woman. THAT is what makes this case discrimination.

(btw, most likely you're all hypocrites if you work at a private company and are using this cite for your own private use because you're stealing company time. Quit your job immediately or continue to be a hypocrite and risk getting fired. I'll wait.)

It doesn't matter what school that was being taught at, it is NO ONE's right on God's Green Earth to be the judge, jury and executioner. It is not even the right of a priest, it is only God's right.

Isn't Christianity all about LOVE and FORGIVENESS? Isn't Jesus and God all about those things too? Hmmm...did someone forget to read their Bible to get the jist of that?! Sounds to me like they failed on being a true Christian.

I also want to know, how many staff members themselves or their children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, or their husbands, ooops, maybe their parents or even grandparents committed fornication that resulted in conception. If that's the case, maybe they should no longer talk to them, associate with their own family, friends, children and CAST out the offenders, oh wait, what about the rest of the other congregation members, how many persons over the age of 10 would actually be left attending the church and school if we only allowed virgins and non-fornicators? "0" yep, that's what I thought, what a lonely stone-casting following that church would have.

I agree with you. She can maintain membership in the congregation but should not assume a position of leadership. Rather than being fired, however, she should have been allowed to step down. The faculty and parents need not know the details but she's teaching in an atmosphere that promotes Godly principles. She, no less loved, should ask forgiveness of her sin and the school should help her find employment where the sin is not known.

To: ohdrama0901 - how am i a hypocrite exactly? I'm saying based on my core beliefs, what i did was wrong. I'm owning it, not blaming others. Like i said. She should be treated with respect & loved but shouldn't expect to be in a position of leadership just as I don't expect it. I'm not really sure what your basis is on my being a hypocrite when I'm in a similar situation, admitting & owning it. Your comment doesn't make any sense.

What sin are you talking about? this baby was conceived by two person who are in love and now married. If this is sin THEN Jesus is not worth to be called the Saviour becuase he was conceived before Mary was married to Joseph. This is not like she went out and had one night stand and got knocked out and got pregnan. she did it with somebody who was in loved with and were planning to get married.

The reality is that the school's policy, on it's face, is entirely unchristian and hypocritical. According to the story, she signed a contract dictating that she comply with the values of the school, which we are all assuming to be the bible. That is wrong. What it should have said is that she should "diligently attempt" to comply with the values. As Christians, we all know that we are sinners. We try, but sometimes we slip. So, for this contract to demand ultimate adherence goes against Jesus' teachings.

Also, I am disappointed in the principal. This was an opportunity to mirror Jesus' love and compassion. Instead, he acted like a Pharisee and dictated the letter of law without taking Grace into consideration. He also opened himself up to scrutiny. If there is ANY skeleton in his closet, not necessarily an overt one, then he should excuse himself from the school. If he owns any Professional Sport's jerseys, then he is practicing idolatry and that breaks God's first and second commandments.

Last, to all those who avoid Christianity because of what they perceive as hypocritical Christians, understand that all is not what it seems. Indeed, many "Christians" do not have a firm grasp of what Christianity truely is and simply echo the ultra-Conservative voices who cry out against all things that they do not like in order to feel like they are furthering the Christian cause. At the same time, these "Christians" do whatever they please and commit sin upon sin. But, the vast majority are really trying to live a God-pleasing life. We do all sin, but true Christians recognize their sin and do their best to get back on the path.

I, agree that was her personal business! And we have have ALL fail and come short of God !!!! in one way or another. NO ONE IS PERFECT !!!!! WE HAVE ALL SINNED !!!! But, God's Grace and Mercy he has forgiven us !!!! and she should not have been punished in this manner.... now if she had an affair with a minor that would have been a different story !!!! But, her Fiance' BE FOR REAL !!!!! What God Are they really serving ??????

The courts are going to easily deal with this one. Nothing in the "morals" clause was specific. Private school or not, this is discrimination and won't stand (besides just plain being stupid.)

It's amazing how many people assume that the time she got pregnant was the only time they fornicated. Realistically, this was not the first time they had sex. This was a heart issue, and clearly she is unfit to stay a teacher at this school. I think her willingness to sue and take this issue public also speaks to her heart. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 speaks against Christians suing each other.

In my opinion the firing was completely warranted, but obviously the principal acted inappropriately and could be held accountable for his actions.

Tim, it was not GOD who said what our sexaul behaviour should be, it was our elders of the church who stated what they think what our behaviour should be.

All holy books are written be the hand of man, and alter by the hand of man. The King James version of the Bible for example. It speaks differently than older versions of the bible.

I am also torn by this case. On the one hand, it is no one's buisness if a teacher is having sex and concieving a child out of wedlock. I don't think the principal should have been allowed to even ask such a question. However, the school is a relious school with a certain set of morals and standards. Just like any other private group that discriminates, i.e. openly gay people can't be in scouts, it doesn't seem outrageous to let this school have its freedom to fire people who do not meet with their code of conduct. Yes maybe the wording of her contract was to vague to know exactly what that code was, but that is something for the courts and school to decide. While part of me thins it is outrageous for an employer to ask when did you conceive your child, another part of me thinks there is no discrimination lawsuit here.

I certainly hope they now have every teacher sign an affidavit stating that they have never had sex outside of marriage and then make them take a lie detector test. Do we really believe this is the only teacher on staff who has had sex outside of marriage? Get real - she just happens to be the one who got pregnant!

How extremely "Christian" of a school teaching the principles and vlaues of Jesus. Jesus certainly would have neither fired nor condemned the woman. This just goes to prove (once again) the blantant hypocrisy of the so-called Evangelistic and sanctimonious present day churches. Pharisees anyone!!!!

To do this properly they'd need to check into EVERY teacher's past, ask everyone about his/her past sex life, and make the requirements crystal clear with each person AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CONTRACT, make equal efforts to confirm whether each and EVERY teacher had broken the contract throughout each teacher's teaching career and fire each and every one for breaking it. Then it might be considered reasonable. The problem here is, none of this has been done. How is it fare to fire her and not check out everyone else's history. Based on the statistics in Christian churches, more than one of those teachers had premarital sex and just hasn't told. So now we retain the liars and fire the honest person! And how can it be done retroactively? AND to make matters worse, it IS NOT Christian to gossip and that is exactly what the administrator did when he told everyone. Very poor judgement, very poor taste, very unloving and very hypocritical. Just one more piece of bad judgement that gives Christains a bad name. The guy needs to fire himself now for being a gossip and uncompassionate Christian. My guess is he doesn't want to deal with giving 6 weeks vacation.

Messaline......when the baby was born her students would have done the math very quickly. Who is to know whether her example would have affected her students attitude towards sex in the future. The school was within their rights to let her go, but once they did, had no right to broadcast a personnel issue. This, in fact, is the issue that she could sue for. However, we must remember Paul's imperative that Christian's not sue Christian's, lest the matter land in the court and give bad testimony against the Lord. I'm afraid that is what is happening here.

Amazing how many people just don't get it.

The firing was done on religious basis. In the United States that is illegal for a private company to do.

Making employee records public is illegal.

When hiring you cannot ask any question relating to race religion age or sexual orientation. Nor can you terminate any employee based on those grounds.

The school(read private company) violated al of those laws. Case closed.

Emk078 I admire your objectiveness and your ability to analyze yourself in such a fair manner. Our beliefs are similar. Very good luck to you and your little one. God bless.

I applaud your honesty. We are all human, and at times we fail. But as you said, the real issue here is not the premarital sex! With the struggles in todays' society with promiscuity,children born out of wedlock, and last but not least STDs,then Teachers and other leaders need to be held to a higher standard. Especially in a school setting with impressionable kids involved.

To Just Me and the others, the only way she or anyone else could have known exactly when conception had taken place is if this WAS the only time or the only time over several weeks or even a month. Doctors can't even be that precise unless it was the only time or there were several weeks of abstinence before and after the date in question. If she was that positive of the date maybe it was the only time. It was illegal to ask those questions, and I think that coming after the complaint about giving her maternity leave he was fishing for an excuse to fire her and not have to deal with it.

The firing was done on religious basis. In the United States that is illegal for a private company to do.

Making employee records public is illegal.

When hiring you cannot ask any question relating to race religion age or sexual orientation. Nor can you terminate any employee based on those grounds.

Religious organizations in this country are under no obligation to hire people with imcompatible religious practices.

The short answer is Yes. Churches are exempt from the anti discrimination laws and fair labor practices laws. They have the right to fire, not fire, hire not hire as they see fit. So long as they are not receiving public funding or subsidies, they can do pretty much what they please.

jmb1980 said, "No where in the bible does it mention that you should not sue your "christian brother or sister". Unless your bible excludes the writings of the Apostle Paul, you're very wrong, jmb1980! The bible DOES tell us not to sue our Christian brothers and sisters in secular courts. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 tells us specifically NOT to take our disputes between fellow Christians to secular courts.

I'm amazed by the number of people who apparently cannot read, much less think. The article clearly stated that 1. There was no morals clause in her contract, and 2. As an employer with more than 50 employees, they are subject to Federal employment discrimnation laws. This Jackass was not allowed by law to even raise the question, much less act upon the answer. This lawsuit is pretty much a slam dunk, and this Christian school had better start getting ready to take a bath, because not only did they violate her federally protected rights, they also defamed her by making her reproductive status public to her fellow employees, peers, students, and the student's parents.

Oh wait --- wasn't Mary pregnant way before she married Joseph? What should the Jewish community have done then because she violated their "moral" clause - and yet we use "pregnant by God" as the excuse for allowing it.

She was legally married --- a betrothal was a legal marriage contract.

ekm I must congratulate you on your response and say good bless, you have stated the answer that I believe that Jesus would have made

Yawn!

To a point I agree as far as the disclosure and forgiveness. The disclosure was out of line and yes she should be forgiven as we are only judges by One God. However, she was in a position to teach our children and how can a woman who has committed an immoral act hypocritically tech Christian Kids? And she even insinuated she'd have lied if she'd had time to think about it. She couldn't wait three weeks til she got married?

I too am a born-again christian. I do understand the theology of forgiveness, I believe this situation was handled uncorrectly. First, of all biblicial this situation should never have reached the media. The Lord warns us over and over not to put our (christian business before the public) arguments before the unbelievers. This is the reason! Somebody needs to be reminded of the biblical code for confronting the brethern. Mt. 18:15-20. How will people ever turn to God if we as believers will not even get along. I find fault with both parties and pray both will seek reconciliation from each other. If we can't be compassionate and forgiving with our brethen then how do we expect to be examples for The Lord's kingdom here on earth. Hopefully, mature Christian in right fellowship with the Lord will understand I am taking noone's side because I believe the Lord is sad about how both these parties have decided to throw your pearls before swine. mt 7:6 Those of us who may think ourselves "mature christians" should also be careful to remember everyone grows differently in their walk with God. So pray for wisdom then confronting other believers.

Are you seriously going to fight about 3 weeks? The only reason this happened at all was because she was pregnant. They didn't want to deal with a teacher on maternity leave. It was all an excuse to not have to pay for two people at once. What a hypocrite.

I agree. It looks like the school did not want to pay for maternity leave and saw the possibility to use moral law to condemn, rather than extend grace, especially in light of the fact that she had married already. She had given them something to work with. Then the principal chose to talk about her to others, perhaps to sway opinion about the couple, demonstrating the obvious--a lack of genuine Christian love and grace for the purpose of greed. What about Jesus and the woman at the well? Forgotten, apparently. It is convenient for some to proofread scripture to fit their own financial or other concerns.

Does anyone here really believe that "Christian" teachers/pastors/leaders are really sinless?

If you think the ones leading the flocks are supposed to be just like Jesus, then you had best fire EVERYONE.

All I see is humans judging other humans, and trying to punish them(a God complex?). That goes against the teachings of Jesus. Most "christians"(small case C) I have heard and seen, are hypocrites. They don't even follow what the original Christian leader(Jesus) taught.

Why don't you make all your leaders and teachers take lie detector tests, then watch as 95% of them fail.

I agree and I believe you are correct. No employee is required to answer a question like that! I'd like to see the skeltons in the principal's closet! How about divulging that to all parents?

Sorry, but it really has nothing to do with the 3 weeks, it has everything to do with a marriage license and that in biblical standards (which you have to look at here because that is what this school bases it's authority on) you should be married to partake in intercourse with your partner. God does not desire for us to be involved in premarital sex, for our own good and because he wants us to save ourselves for our spouses and to be able to give that special, once in a lifetime, gift to them on our wedding night. That is the real issue.

I am just wondering who died and left the principal judge??? For that matter who, if anyone here, has been appointed to judge the teacher?? Marriage licenses are issued by the states - not the churches - it is only a piece of paper. Next I suppose people can lose their jobs for having been married more than once. Something to think about. I just don't see how anyone here, including myself, are in any position to judge anyone.

It doesn't matter that this is a private church school......they are an employer......just like any other private business. Legally they cannot even ask about ones personal life when interviewing the applicant....they cannot ask how many children you have or how you will manage to take care of them while still fullfilling your work obligations.....they cannot ask you if you plan to have children. All you so called Christians out there who are for the firing of the teacher don't seem to understand that this principal BROKE THE LAW!!! He is the one who should be fired.....and he is going to cost this school a lot of money when they lose the suit.

SassyAnn

I am just wondering who died and left the principal judge??? For that matter who, if anyone here, has been appointed to judge the teacher?? Marriage licenses are issued by the states - not the churches - it is only a piece of paper. Next I suppose people can lose their jobs for having been married more than once. Something to think about. I just don't see how anyone here, including myself, are in any position to judge anyone.

But people are also judging the school. It seems to be human nature to judge each other. There is a little Judge Judy in all of us. Perhaps she is God and hiding among us.

tfaith, there is no mention of need a marriage liscense in the bible. All you need are vows and God. You don't need a cake, rings, gifts, and whatever material possesion you can attach to it.

If the principle wants to cite religion for the firing, then he needs to stop using mans definition of marriage and start using Gods. What gives him the right to question Gods word?

"In April 2009, Hamilton and Treftz went together to Ennis and told him she would be taking maternity leave in the fall. She says Ennis first complained that it was difficult for the school to cover women on maternity leave."
That right there says it all...it wasn't about morals. Morals were simply the justification to fire this woman and try to weasel out of federally mandated FMLA. Now we see the true values of the school administrators...MAMMON MAMMON MAMMON...and look at the depths to which they stooped to serve him!

So let's look at what the principal and his wife are teaching students...

A) When you can, stab your enemies in the back, slander their name, and drag them through the mud so you come out looking as blameless as possible.

B) The bible says a lot of really nice things, but money puts groceries on the table and a Hummer in the garage...if forced to choose between the two, always choose the c-c-c-c-cash!!!

C) It's always nice to talk about the laws of the US as inspired by god (especially when you are trying to limit the freedoms of others), but if the laws don't fit in with your little plans you can ignore them as easily as you do scripture...after all, it's just words on paper!

D) The bible says so many things that whatever situation you're in, you can find some scripture to justify your idiocy, bigotry, or hatred...that's why they make those nifty scripture of the day calendars.

and last but not least, tfaith:

Since Adam and Eve had no marriage license, does that mean they were fornicators, too? Were all couples fornicators before there were churches, priests, lawmakers, and states to recognize their union? Is it, then, the value of property and the right of descent which solemnizes a union? If a man and woman were stranded on an island for ten years and five years into it decided they were in love with each other and wanted to marry each other and had a ceremony before the eyes of whichever deity they worshipped, would they be any less married than if two atheists had a ceremony before the JOP?

Additionally, I think you misinterpret the reasoning behind Hebrew (and other ancient cultures) focus on women saving themselves for their husband (there was no such demand made of men, who often had concubines and multiple wives) which was the ability of a man to determine the lineage of the children born to his spouse. Many ancient cultures were under the notion that once another man's seed were placed into the vessel, it could manifest in a pregnancy at any time thereafter. This is the same reasoning used to justify anti-miscegination laws in our own country even as recently as 50 years ago.

And if she is widowed with 5 kids already, isn't that "special, once in a lifetime gift" already long since unwrapped and played with? Should she have thrown herself on her husband's funeral pyre and saved herself this "shame"? Or I guess, technically, according to your version of the book, she should be shagging her husband's brother, as he is now responsible for her right? But wait...if he's already married, doesn't that law make him an adulterer since we no longer like polygamy in western culture? Man...your "simple" cut and dried laws confuse me sometimes...

TracieB.....It has nothing to do with forgiveness.....it has everything to do with being an example to her students. A Christian school has every expectation that their teachers will be Christian examples.

It seems to me that you are a perfect christian, even better than Jesus. Jesus never hung around saints, he mingled with sinners. Instead of bashing this teacher for being honest, try to be supportive. No one had to know if she was pregnant before marriage or not, the school made it their business to put her on blast. The teacher could have simple said she was married before, then what. They would have ask for her wedding certificate as proof and request her OB/GYN records, ridiculous. I understand that Christian schools have morals to uphold, but what about when their children are having sex before they are married, oh nothing is wrong with that, why, because they do not become pregnant, of course not, they have abortions. And what about the males that drink and party like there is no tomorow, oh I forgot that is covered up too. Whether or not this teacher did not have to disclose any personal information. Is the issue the fact that she became pregnant before marriage or is it something else? hmmm!!!!!!!! The truth will be revealed.

Yes she should be shown grace, and support just like I mentioned I was in my previous post. However, that doesn't mean that she should continue in a leadership role when she contradicts the organizations values. If you don't want to be held to the values / rules of a private organization, work for a public school!

I think most of you are missing the point. I agree with Grace. No one is claiming that the people at this school are sinless. Aren't there consequences for breaking rules in society too? Don't we still love our children when they do something wrong? Hopefully even though we certainly do we still punish them with appropriate consequences. This school has every right to require their teachers to be role models.

As long as the school takes the same stance against those who steal from the church, molest little children, curse at home, abuse their wives, cheat on their spouses, lie, etc., then I am fine with this. That is however not case, this school lacked the passion that Jesus preached about. This is such hyporcrisy, the current day church looks or does not have any resemblance to anything Jesus taught. Shame on all of you for not having compassion. So if she was a member of the congregation would she be banned from attending if she got pregnant. That's nonesense. You shall know my disciples by the love you to show one another. This reminds me of the Pharises and Sscribes who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus for him to condemn her, Jesus knelt down in the dirt and wrote something on the crowd (probably named each sin her accusers were hiding), her accusers left, and Jesus woman where aren't thought accusers. Not sure what God you all serve. Do we really think Jesus would have done the same.

Leaders sin too--unless of course they are GOD. Why do we feel sins concerning sex are the biggest sins? I was taught the biggest sin is to hold anything in more importance than God. We have to remember none of us are sin free. And in holding with a so called moral code--maybe none of the staff would be qualified to teach because they are all guilty of some sin. God wants us to be rightious, not self-rightious like this school seems to be. AND forgiving. You can't help someone if you shun them or turn them away. Jesus was most concerned about the lost sheep. And his disciples, while they helped him TEACH were far from perfect!

Gemini, "Jesus never hung around saints" really? I think if you are going to talk about Jesus you should know him better. Of course He hung around "saints". He discipled them! We are called to be like him. I never said I was better than Jesus. If you think that offends me you're wrong. I try to do my best in life. I'm not judging her, but she is in a position of accountability to the school, the parents and the children. My children are in private school and we pay dearly for the privilege. They aren't sexually active and they don't drink. If they did it would be something for me and my church to handle. I would expect the school to throw them out! I teach my kids there are consequences. When there are incidents with the kids in school they are also disciplined and sometimes expelled. The school has to function as an organization, not be polluted by anyone's behavior. That includes parents, staff or the kids. I don't know what you think will be revealed. It is pretty clear to me. I don't know if I believe the story about the school telling all of the parents. Why would they do that? It is summer break. The old fourth grade parents would have no need to know what happened to the teacher from last year. "If" it was handled that way it was wrong, the school should have been more discreet. She should still leave the school.

As a retired high school teacher, I can tell you that you don't know if your kids are drinking or having sex. The parents are the last to know.

Robert Day, You're talking about the church. This is a different case. It is an organization that is guided by Christian principles. The church has a role of nurturing and growing people and you're right they don't always do it well. The school has a role of protecting those under it's leadership. Read Matthew 18:6 and 1 Corinthians 8:12.

jmb1980, read 1corinthians chapter 6. The bible does in fact talk about lawsuts between christians.

I agree with the school; she knew this when she applied for the job. Did the principle tell or did she tell the reason for her being fired? Either way, I would not like my chilren or grand children exposed to this. If I pay for private/christian schooling, this is what I want the administration to do. Public school are a different one because we as society have just stood back and let anything go. That is the reason our kid are having a time with morals and what is acceptable.

Grace I suggest you check out and make sure your children are the little angels you think they are . You either are very blind and in denial because children in private religious schools are the worst kids around. You know why because of parents like you who think there kids could do no wrong. Many friends of mine thought there little angels were perfect till they got older and told there parents they smoked pot or had sex before marriage.

Unless you or your children don't sin whatsoever you are sinning by judging. Most likely you and The principle and others judging this woman by the biracial marriage and you don't want your perfect little kids getting the wrong idea.

You ma'am are going to get a very rude awakening someday hopefully your children don't suffer for your sins.

Bigotry and hypocricy is the biggest illness of all in America !

No one should be fired from their job because of someone's perceived "sin". Especially since there isn't (according to Christianity) a single person on earth that isn't "sinless". Doesn't the bible say something about casting the first stone if you are without sin. I doubt that Ennis can say that about herself and if she did, then she is a liar and a hypocrite and should be fired for it.

I think this is more about the fact that they are an interacial couple but the cowards at that school won't admit that because they know that they can't win that lawsuit.

You suggest I check out and make sure that my kids are the little angels I think they are?!!! You dont know me or my kids! What? I can assure you that I do know exactly what my kids are doing. We have a wonderful relationship and I talk with them about sex, drinking and drugs and Gods plan for it. They would choose God's way! You people have nothing better to do than attack people! I use my kids as an example of what our school would do in certain cases and you decided in you little minds to attack me call me name and imply that I don't know my own children. My children serve others, make top grades, and stand up to other kids that do things they shouldn't. I'v been told I should write a book on parenting by many otherparents and teachers. So before yo start calling me names and suggesting I am blind. maybe you should go to couseling and work out your own issues! I also never said I was judging anyone. Read it again!

Oh, by the way I am biracial! Everything is not a racial issue. Move on...

"Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" Romans 6:1-2

Do not take "God forbid" lightly. Try to understand that this phrase, as well as other correlated modern and scripture vocabulary, is not used like in the sentence, "Oh God forbid that you fail your math exam!" (where math has no scriptural relevance of course). When Paul said "God forbid!" he means GOD DOESN'T ALLOW IT!

And while you're peaking into God's Word to see if I am right, why don't you read 1 Corinthians 6:9-13 you hypocrites!

Ok anyone who has read my posts know that I am no friend to Christianity. But the fact remains, Churches, religious schools and religious organizations are exempt from labor laws and discrimination laws. So long as they do not receive public funding or subsidies they are within their rights.

MarkLHolland: this is true if the school employed less than 50 persons, once they employ more than 50 then they are subject to federal laws, regulations and rules.
By this standard the principal had no right to ask her when she concieved, and whether or not they were married yet. That is a violation of her privacy and against the law.

Jesus told the crowd to throw down their stones because they were judging her on the sin she committed. The school fired the teacher because she allegedly violated a rule of her contract. Those are two separate issues.

The couple claims she never signed a contract, but a different article on the story indicates a contract was signed. The teacher also makes the comment that she "didn't know they would judge it that harshly" (her pregnancy). That implies there was at least some prior knowledge on her part of a morality rule, but she didn't think they would actually enforce it.

S Jones - if you read the story again, here and elsewhere, you'll find that there was no contract. There was a short statement on the application about upholding the values of the school, but there was no contract or morality clause. You cannot violate something that didn't exist. She didn't think they would judge her pregnancy harshly because they're supposed to be Christians. Clearly, they are Christian in name only.

I fail to see how whether she signed a contract or not invalidates the story about Jesus and woman being stoned. This is a committed couple who got married. They put the cart before the horse. It happens all the time, yes, even with Christians! The principal had no business questioning her about her pregnancy - she was a married woman when she came to him. She "corrected" her sinfullness by getting married. She did the right thing. She is not some brazen fornicator who is a bad example to her students. Please. This was a ridiculous overreaction on the part of the school. If she were blatantly living out of wedlock with the man in contravention to the school's policies, that would be different. No wonder so much of the world thinks Christians are heinous.

No,there was no official contract but the article does state:

"The employment application, which she filled out, clearly states that as a leader before our students we require all teachers to maintain and communicate the values and purpose of our school.”

That, to me, is a condition of continual employment.

You will find those that feel free to judge others are usually in name only. Not to mention they would be the first ones screaming if the shoe was on the other foot!!

I believe the ulterior motive for the principal and the school was not that of a moral dilemma, but rather that of a financial one. They simply didn't want to pay for her to be on maternity leave, find a substitute and pay them as well, not to mention footing the hospital bills. It was easier for them to let the Devil in them than it was to do the right thing and pay up. They are christians in name only (hence the lower 'c').

Gotta love those hypocrites.

When Jesus said "Ye who is without sin cast the first stone" the crowd quieted. Then a older lady came foward picked up a stone and threw it.

Jesus replied "Damnit Mom knock that off!"

To Chuck

(I cannot believe you typed that) LMFAO, darn that was good.

gemini1.....The Woman at the Well in the Book of John is an excellent example. Without condemning her, Jesus pointed out her sin and it convicted not only her but her entire village. Jesus spent time with sinners because it was they who were in need of a Physician, not the Pharisees.

Yawn!

I f you are so bored by the conversation, why don't you move on to something else?

Dr. I get your point but getting into Catholic belief, although tempting, is for a totally different discussion--because it's so deep. If one doesn't believe in God but uses the commandments as a way of life--then what's the harm? Somewhere along the line we need guidelines for life.

We do need guidelines for life but the last place you want to get them from is a bible thumping christian! I attended church faithfully for 25 years (no more) and left because I never saw so many hypocrites in my life as there!

*chuckle* As soon as someone states to me that they're a good Christian, I start doubting them for the reason you said. Who needs to announce it? Shouldn't ones actions speak for themselves?

Jesus also said "let he who is without sin throw the first stone," and I'm pretty sure there's also a writing of "judge not lest thee be judged." Convenient that you're ignoring those.

And please note that I addressed your comment without disrespecting your right to make your comment with a "Yawn"

Kim's right though. This isn't a case of one christian calling out another. This woman was essentially a youth pastor. The "Pastor" of this school removed her from that privilege. I would not let my children go to a youth group where it was proved that the youth pastor was having premarital sex. With that said though, she should not have been humiliated. If she's a qualified teacher, she should be able to get a public teaching job. Both parties involved need to pray about how this went down.

Yawn

Yawn

So Kim...when did you wake up?

yawn

Ahem WRONG!

She was hired as a teacher which makes her an employee. And that makes the school and It's Administrator responsible for complying with federal law.

The school screwed up big time!

The same exact thought occurred to me!!

Yep, its very obvious he didn't want to deal with her maternity leave. Easier just to fire her and hire a new teacher. What a hypocrite.

Agreed. At least she and her husband planned and married, what about all the so called stars and athletics that have illigetimate kids. YES, I did say ILLIGETIMATE. I hope the school bands all forms of outside influence. And as the bible says "least not cast the first stone. " That principal is hiding something. I hope they take the school system to the cleaners.

I hate to inform you franksguerra that the christians are the biggest sinners and hypocrites out there.

I agree, and furthermore christians are the worst type of scum on the planet. christians judge others for doing the same things that they do. Those church members all had pre-marital affairs and most of them are having extra-marital affairs as we speak, ALL the members up to and including the pastor. Christian= hypocrit, liar, cheater, backstabber, SCUMBAG!!!

The warmachine11 is right. Christianity with its forgiveness allows its believers to operate without conscience. Without conscience they are allowed to act like Catholic Priests, Boy Scout leaders, etc.

The athiest or infidel must live within his conscience. Much tougher road to hoe. That is why so many give up and end up born again christians. They do things that hurt their conscience. That is why they feel so good when they join. The evil they have done is lifted from their 'soul'. Good thing there is no god. No real god would forgive the worst while outcasting the best.

Proten - what a crock - get a brain there is no relationship between a christian - catholic priest or a boy scout leaded and I am assuming you are referring to the molesting ones. Just because some says they are a christian does not make them a christian - the far right are as far from God as you are.

toledokitty and warmachine11, the "Christians" you talk about aren't real Christians. They claim to be Christians, but are only because they claim to be. I consider myself christian but I really don't judge anyone because I'm not perfect. I make mistakes ( sin ) alot although I try not to. Another reason I don't judge, because I'm sure God isn't happy with my behavior either. If I judge someone and then sin myself that makes me hypocrite, I am not a hypocrite.

Oh, you guys don't need to tell me. My parents are hardcore born again christians. I am a long time atheist, and most of the cruel, wicked, and messed up stuff I've seen has been perpetrated by the devoutly religious. And Toledokitty, I wouldn't reserve that for just christians. The devoutly religious in most (if not all) religions are extremely hypocritical. Religious people "know" that they have the answers without any evidence, and that is extremely dangerous.

War machine although I agree that most christians are very hypocritical and are some of the worst sinners I would not exactly say all are.

The problem is people don't realize how big God is. They think God is a conditional god and that is why they are the same. I do however know some christians who are loving , kind, and forgiving.

I am not a christian I feel that is to shallow of a belief and who knows maybe i am wrong but I don't really judge christians who try there best. My family and even my oldest daughter is a christian they are by no means perfect but i don't believe they are scum or backstabbers.

I also get disgusted with many so called christians who are so set in there stupid ways and are bigots and idiots but sadly they were raised that way . Many need to have an awakening of there spirit before they realize the truth. My father for instance was brought up in a very prejudice family and it rubbed of on him and on us kids for a long time until I had a bi racial child, I see the growth and love in my dad because the chain was broken. My child taught him.

If people believed like children do maybe our world would be better. This is a mad world yet to say all christians are like that is a bit much.

Maybe there is no so called heaven or hell but there is karma and don't worry that is something I believe these so called bigot christians will get someday hopefully though it won't fall on there children.

@ashla- You are almost there, just make your transition without fear. Christ said, Matt. 10:33 :"But if anyone denies me then i will deny that person before my Father in heaven." On Judgement Day, ignorance will not be bliss. Find out about Heaven and Hell.-- INVESTIGATE! Do you really want to chance it? That man made karma belief system, where does that come from? Biblically, it is the law of reaping and sowing. Find it in the book of Galatians Chapter 6. Now for you so- called christian haters, you're not hating Christians! GET IT? There will be no excuses for you either; not for any of us. Love God, Believe God, and Love Each Other; that will cover the spectrum. Start at home with the so- called man in the mirror.

You will never know when you meet a true Christian, they live as Jesus taught. I am Pagan, my grandma and best friend were/are true Christian. (My grandma is dead, my best friend is alive.) My grandma was always very accepting of others, understanding the differences, and never thought any religion was less than hers. My girlfriend does the same, and wishes to understand and never criticizes.

But these are signs of true believers of any faith.

Yes. The most misquoted scripture in the Bible always finds it's way into a conversation as a rationale for sin.

No one is trying to kill the teacher you moron.

Only if they don't violate federal laws.

BUT is a very big word. God forgives BUT we do not have to?

Look at the teachings of Jesus on prayer. Forgiveness was the only part He expanded on after the model prayer was given. "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.", BUT that is just what Jesus said.

I agree, unless students were told that she was pregnant before her marriage (and only 3 weeks at that!) I highly doubt anyone would have known. For that matter, if the principal hadn't of asked the very inappropriate questions about the child's conception date HE never would have known. Even in states that allow firing for "no" reason, discrimination laws still apply for both religion and marital status which includes pregnancy. I would sue.

So very true. Asking when she conceived is none of his business. And the school is a business so they will most likely lose this case. And to all who speak of this "contract," there wasn't one.