News
Cape Coral woman banned from teaching after marrying partner
Published: Jun 24, 2004 - 10:49 AM
Cape Coral woman banned from teaching after marrying partner in Massachusetts was banned from teaching in the Church of Christ, Scientist, 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, also of Cape Coral, on a public beach on May 20, before Massachusetts started banning out-of-state same-sex couples from obtaining marriage licenses. The women since have bought a townhouse 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."
Representatives from the Boston-based church did not return phone calls Wednesday. 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."
Clementson married Suzanne Nightingale, 49, also of Cape Coral, on a public beach on May 20, before Massachusetts started banning out-of-state same-sex couples from obtaining marriage licenses. The women since have bought a townhouse 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."
Representatives from the Boston-based church did not return phone calls Wednesday. 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."
