Following a same-sex married couple attempting to enroll their child in an area Catholic school, Springfield, Illinois, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki has attempted to implement far-reaching agreements that would require parents of students to live within church guidelines, State Journal-Register reported Aug. 21.
Among the requirements in the document are that families must tithe 8 percent of their income and attend Mass weekly. Non-Catholic families would be required to meet with a pastor. Families living "outside church guidelines," which would include families with same-sex parents, would also be subject to similar meeting requirements.
Not all schools in the diocese have implemented the agreements, which were introduced in mid-July.
In a letter to diocese and school officials explaining the policy, Paprocki said, "The implementation of this policy is premised on the hope we have for repentance and turning away from a sinful way of life, even if that may be years down the road."
Paprocki also acknowledged in the letter that the requirements came about after a same-sex couple tried to enroll their children in Christ the King Elementary School.
"The consideration of this new policy was prompted by a same-sex 'married' couple seeking to enroll their adopted children into one of our schools, but the policy as actually developed will not single out same-sex couples," he claimed. "Rather, it will be used for all parents to indicate that they understand and agree that children in the school will be taught the teachings of the Catholic Church in their fullness."
In 2013, Paprocki held an exorcism that took place simultaneously with former Gov. Pat Quinn signing legislation that enabled marriage equality in the state.
State Journal-Register's story is at m.sj-r.com/article/20150821/NEWS/150829865/ 1.