Community Rallies on Behalf of Hoboken Priest Who Was Suspended for LGBT Outreach

Scores of local residents turned out for a rally in Stevens Park on Wednesday to support Father Warren Hall, a priest who was dismissed from Sts. Peter & Paul in Hoboken and St. Lawrence in Weehawken by Newark Archbishop John Myers for being openly supportive of LGBT advocacy groups.

“I was told this is being done because of my continued involvement with LGBT groups that he says are in opposition to the church,” said Hall. “[Archbishop Myers] didn’t name them but I have been involved with PFLAG, New Ways Ministry, Dignity, Gays-Against-Guns, and the LGBT Community Center. He says I’m causing confusion for Catholic people.”

The rally had representatives from Hudson Pride—Hudson County’s LGBT Community Center—as well as local clergy. Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, Freeholder Anthony Romano and Hoboken Councilman Mike DeFusco were also on hand to support Fr. Hall and protest the decision of the Archbishop to suspend him after 27 years of service to the church.

“We’ve seen dozens of LGBT people fired from schools and church work around the country,” says Hall, “and as I see it, that’s discrimination.”

Hoboken Internet Radio’s Alice Stockton Rossini spoke with Fr. Hall and others at Wednesday’s event:

Fr. Warren Hall (left) speaks with Hoboken Internet Radio’s Alice Stockton Rossini