A Catholic priest in a small central Michigan community has stepped down as pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City amid ongoing controversy.
The resignation of Rev. Thomas Held follows weeks of turmoil stemming from his public expression of regret over a gay author reading to preschool children.
The departure of Rev. Held was announced by Bishop Robert Gruss of the Saginaw Catholic Diocese, acknowledging the difficulties within the parish and characterizing it as an “unfortunate situation.”
Tensions arose after Rev. Held’s Facebook post on March 13, responding to a preschool visit by local author Dominic Thrasher, who read from his book “The Adventures of Cece and the Sheriff.”
Rev. Held did not mention Thrasher by name but expressed concern over a guest whose values did not align with Catholic faith.
The Saginaw Diocese stated that Rev. Held’s involvement stemmed from parish members’ discontent over Thrasher’s civil union, viewed as contrary to Catholic teachings on human sexuality and marriage.
Protests ensued, with hundreds demonstrating against Rev. Held’s remarks and leadership, advocating for unity and condemning bigotry in the name of religion.
Rev. Held’s resignation has been welcomed by critics, hopeful for healing and unity within the community.
