Archdiocese of Kansas City in KS
Media Statement
Admissions Policies in Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese
The Catholic Church teaches that every child is a gift from God and made in the image
of God. Thus, our Catholic schools form our students to respect the inherent dignity of
every person. At the same time, this does not mean that every choice or behavior is
consistent with our God-given dignity.
Our schools exist to pass on the Catholic faith. Incorporated into our academic
instruction and spiritual formation, at every grade level, are the teachings of the Catholic
Church. It is important for children to experience consistency between what they are
taught in school and what they see lived at home. Therefore, we ask that parents
understand and be willing to support those teachings in their homes.
Matrimony is held up by the Catholic Church as a sacrament entered into between a
man and a woman. Marriage is considered the building block of the family, of society,
and the heart of the Church.
The Church’s teaching on marriage is clear and is not altered by the laws of civil
society. The decision of the Supreme Court to grant marital status to same-sex unions
does not change Church doctrine on marriage, but does present the Church with new
pastoral challenges.
The Church teaches that individuals with same sex attraction should be treated with
dignity. However, the challenge regarding same sex couples and our Catholic schools is
that same sex parents cannot model behaviors and attitudes regarding marriage and
sexual morality consistent with essential components of the Church’s teachings. This
creates a conflict for their children between what they are taught in school and what is
experienced at home. It also becomes a source of confusion for the other school
children.
The Church respects that some may disagree with essential elements of our moral
teaching. We do not feel it is respectful of such individuals, nor is it fair, loving or
compassionate to place their children in an educational environment where the values
of the parents and the core principles of the school conflict. For these reasons, the
Archdiocese has advised against the admission into our Catholic schools of children of
same sex unions.