Szczepanski was terminated as the music director of the church in October of 2024 after serving St. Francis Church for 35 years. Many parishioners believe that it was done because he married his longtime partner in 2020 as we reported on last year. The lawsuit was filed in January of 2025.

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The Traverse City Ticker is reporting that even though the lawsuit is over, Szczepanski is requesting that he be allowed to perform at Catholic weddings and funerals again within the diocese. He says he’s been barred from doing so since leaving the church, even when asked to play at a close friend’s funeral. “This has gone too far,” Szczepanski said.

Renee Shimmel, speaking for the Diocese of Gaylord, declined to comment on Szczepanski’s musical participation but welcomed the legal outcome. “We are grateful the Court reaffirmed the principle of religious liberty established in the US Constitution,” she said.

Counsel stresses broader implications.

Szczepanski’s attorney, Blake Ringsmuth, praised the courage of his client, reminding us this fight wasn’t just personal. “We knew this would be a hard case…but this is exactly how you raise awareness and make changes in the law and in our society,” he said to The Ticker.

A quiet truth already known by many.

Fred’s situation had never really been a secret. He and his longtime partner, Bill Thompson, were open about their relationship in the parish – though not openly flaunted – as a nod to church doctrine and mutual respect. They were married during the pandemic for legal peace of mind, not publicity.

Whether Szczepanski’s case will drive real change in how religious exemptions intersect with employment rights remains uncertain, but it has drawn national attention. For now, the court’s decision leaves him without legal recourse – yet far from silent – as he continues to keep fighting for the chance to share his music with the community he’s called home for decades.