Recently, the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn terminated a beloved teacher from St. Joseph Catholic Academy and music director from Corpus Christi Parish, Matthew LaBanca. For more than a decade, Matthew served the communities of Astoria and Woodside with his music and voice, bringing joy and peace to the people who had the pleasure of being in his classroom, in the choir, and in the congregation when he was at the organ. The Diocese claimed and stated repeatedly that the termination was not due to job performance. Rather, Matthew's offense was marrying the love of his life, another man.

In every way, Matthew lives out the Gospel through his dedication to all those who learn from him, whether they are school children, choir members, or parishioners. God bestowed on Matthew extraordinary gifts: great artistic and Broadway-caliber talent, wonderful teaching ability, and a loving, attentive disposition toward everyone. He accepts and lives out the commandment Jesus gave us: love God, love your neighbor.

The communities of SJCA and Corpus Christi are outraged by this act of discrimination against a servant of God who embodies the teachings of Christ, and demand his reappointment to both positions.

This community's loss has opened discussions of how Catholics and the LGBTQ+ community need to find ways to exist together and foster healing. We ask your support in signing this petition, honoring and demanding an environment within the Catholic Church where the children of God may serve in their ministries, regardless of who they love, and without fear of reprisal.