A kindergarten teacher of 27 years in Columbia, TN, has decided to retire rather than accept her school board’s ultimatum of leaving her church.
Sandra McCarthy and four other teachers at Columbia Academy Christian school were told by school officials that, under a board resolution, they would lose their jobs unless they signed a pledge to end their relationship with a local church where musical instruments were used. Columbia Academy is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, which historically has not allowed musical instruments during worship services.
Two of the teachers reportedly resigned and took new positions, while two others accepted a compromise agreement allowing them to attend their church except on occasions when music is played there.
McCarthy said she was torn by the decision but opted to move on. “There’s been a lot of prayer and I’m open to new opportunities,” she said. “I’ve come to the conclusion that I want to retire.”