A bit disingenuous, Betty....
Demkovich and Collette were NOT fired for "coming out as gay" - they were fired for defying Church teaching and publicizing their same sex marriages.  The Archdiocese issued a statement...In part, "Pastors hire and dismiss all parish personnel and govern according to the teachings of the Church and archdiocesan policies. ... Those that serve as ministers of the Church, including worship ministers, are expected to conform their lives publicly with the teachings of the Church."

Why criticize Card. Cupich for defrocking Mercado?  or upholding Church teaching?  Typically, NCR puts him on a pedestal because he is seen as liberal - so any non-liberal position he holds should be criticized?

No.  What NCR fails to do is report on anything he does that does not fit with the progressive agenda - for that could weaken their coronation of him.