Fury after Catholic priest at Seton Hall University is fired...

By Sophie Jane
Daily Mail (UK)
May 17, 2015

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3084917/Fury-Catholic-priest-Seton-Hall-University-fired-alma-mater-publicly-supporting-gay-marriage-online.html#ixzz3aPExdBVE

Fired: Rev. Warren Hall (pictured, left and right) was allegedly fired from Seton Hall University - where he ministered to sports teams - for posting a pro-LGBT photo online in a decision that has sparked outrage

Private university: Rev. Hall was appointed Director of Campus Ministry at his private alma mater (pictured) in South Orange, New Jersey - which is directly run by the Archdiocese of Newark - around a year ago

Popular; It is not known exactly what image Rev. Hall posted to Facebook. However, it was linked to the 'NOH8' campaign. Above, the priest is pictured with two ballerinas from the Onassis School of Ballet on Twitter

Happier times: Born in Jersey City, Rev. Hall (left and right) was ordained as a priest in 1989, according to Seton Hall. He attended the campus himself and gained degrees in Master of Divinity and Master of Theology

University's response: In response to angry students, Seton Hall emphasized that the Archbishop of Newark 'appoints the Director of Campus Ministry', not campus officials. It added: 'We understand how you feel'

Petition: Shortly after Rev. Hall revealed he was fired on Twitter, Mr Kraft set up an online petition (pictured) in a bid to get the decision reversed, writing: ' This action is not in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ'

A Catholic priest was allegedly fired from Seton Hall University for posting a photo supporting same-sex marriage and other LGBT rights online, a decision that has sparked widespread outrage.

Rev. Warren Hall was appointed Director of Campus Ministry at his private alma mater in South Orange, New Jersey - which is directly run by the Archdiocese of Newark - around a year ago.

But on Friday, he told his Twitter followers: 'I've been fired from SHU for posting a pic on FB supporting LGBT "NO H8". I'm sorry it was met with this response. I'll miss my work here.'

His firing over the tweet - which has since been removed - provoked anger among both students and social media users, with many deeming the sacking 'disappointing', 'shocking' and 'not what Christ would want'.

It also came at time when Seton Hall is recruiting Derrick Gordon - the first openly gay Division I men's basketball star - to its Catholic men's basketball team, whom Rev Hall ministered for.

It is not known exactly what image Rev. Hall posted to Facebook. However, it was linked to the 'NOH8' campaign, which often posts photos showing celebrities with their mouths taped shut.

The campaign aims to promote LGBT issues, such as gay marriage, as well as gender equality.

On Saturday night, New Jersey resident Hailey Azaria tweeted that she was 'so sad' that Rev. Hall had been fired from Seton Hall, writing: 'It's 2015 so let's get with the times and accept.'

Seton Hall student Ethan Kraft added: 'Outraged at @SetonHall for dismissing @Warrmeister. Certainly not what Christ would have wanted, and not in line with words of @Pontifex.'

In response, the university emphasized that the Archbishop of Newark 'appoints the Director of Campus Ministry', not campus officials. It also told students: 'We understand how you feel'.

Shortly after Rev. Hall revealed he was fired on Twitter, Mr Kraft set up an online petition in a bid to get the decision reversed, writing: 'This action is not in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.'

'Nor is it line with the words of Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church,' he added.

The Change.org petition for 'well-loved' Rev. Hall currently has more than 1,000 signatures.

Founded by Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley in 1856, Seton Hall is the oldest and largest Catholic university in New Jersey. It is also the oldest diocesan university in the United States.

The institution is governed by a board of 16 trustees; Eleven of these positions are occupied by members of the Archdiocese of Newark. The Archbishop of Newark himself chairs the board.

In his position as Director of Campus Ministry, Rev. Hall specialized in ministering for sports teams, the Washington Post reported. He also taught 'Sports and Spirituality: A Catholic Perspective'.

Born in Jersey City, he was ordained as a priest in 1989, according to Seton Hall's website. He attended the university himself and gained degrees in Master of Divinity and Master of Theology.

Between 1999 and 2003, Rev. Hall taught at St. Elizabeth Parish and School in Wilmington, Delaware, and served as an assistant to Bishop Michael Saltarelli, Bishop of Wilmington.

In a statement about the priest's sacking, Laurie Pine, a spokeswoman for Seton Hall, which has around 5,200 undergraduates, said: 'Seton Hall does not comment on personnel matters.'