Warren Hall

Rev. Warren Hall claimed earlier this month he was fired as director of campus ministry at Seton Hall University over a pro-LGBT social media post. Here, Hall leads a special mass for couples renewing their vows on Valentine's Day 2014 at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the university's South Orange campus. (Frances Micklow | The Star-Ledger)

(Frances Micklow/The Star-Ledger)

NEWARK — Being gay doesn't have to be a "hinderance" to a man's ability to serve as a priest, a church spokesman said Thursday in response to news that a controversial New Jersey priest revealed his sexual orientation in a magazine interview.

Rev. Warren Hall alleged earlier this month he lost his job as Seton Hall University's director of campus ministry because he posted a Facebook message supporting a gay and lesbian group. The Archdiocese of Newark, which oversees the university post, denied Hall was reassigned because of his pro-LBGT online comment.

Hall came out as gay Wednesday in an interview with OutSports, a magazine for gay athletes. He said he could not hide his sexual orientation anymore.

Jim Goodness, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Newark, responded to Hall's revelation with a quote from Pope Francis.

"Pope Francis' comment, 'Who am I to judge?' is very apropos here," Goodness said. "But someone who labels himself or another primarily in terms of sexual orientation or attraction contradicts what the Church teaches - that every person is to be accepted with respect, compassion and dignity."

Goodness did not comment directly on Hall's case. The priest is waiting for the archdiocese to respond to his request for a six-month sabbatical.

But Goodness said it is possible for a man to remain a priest after revealing he is gay.

"Sexual orientation or attraction isn't in itself a hindrance to a man's ability to continue to serve as a priest," Goodness said. "What is important is a priest's commitment to living his ordination promises and embracing honestly what priesthood requires in the Latin Church: to live a life of prayer and chaste celibacy in imitation of Christ, to support and promulgate the teachings and traditions of the Church, and to respect and obey the authority of the Church."

Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find NJ.com on Facebook.