"Gay American" Ex-NJ Governor McGreevey Can't Become A Priest

James McGreevey when he stepped down in 2004 (AP)

James McGreevey, NJ's infamous former governor who famously declared himself a "gay American" and resigned, embarked on an enlightened, post-political life by studying at the General Theological Seminary, where he got a Masters in Divinity. But his studies may have been for naught because his attempt to join the Episcopal Church priesthood had been denied, according to the NY Post. An Episcopal Diocese of Newark source says, "It was not being gay but for being a jackass -- [McGreevey] didn't come out of the whole divorce looking good."

Hmm, what could be so jackassy about admitting threesomes and an interminably bitter divorce with ex Dina Matos? Another church source says, "He was sort of looking for every angle to make a complete redo of his professional life. He ran to the church for some kind of cover, which isn't fully appropriate. Even if he's a good guy, he should wait five to 10 years to get over his issues." In other words, for all you other governors with secrets, stop looking at the church for sanctuary!

McGreevey still lives with his real estate executive boyfriend, Mark O'Donnell, in a NJ mansion; O'Donnell reportedly gives the former governor money to pay his various alimony commitments.

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By Jen Chung in News on April 25, 2011 10:23 AM

Comments [rss]

MO

Yes, it is picking a nit, but it is "The Episcopal Church" and the members are Episcopalians. The adjective is different from the noun. (Also, the _Post_ got the name of the bishop wrong--it's Beckwith, not Beck.)

Now, that said--the first person who needs to be held accountable is whoever told McGreevey that it was okay to march off to seminary and get an M.Div. without being approved for the ordination process. That is commonly viewed as an inability/refusal to play by the rules, and causes a football field of red flags to go up.

If, as reported, he was splitting his membership between parishes and dioceses, that also raises questions about ability to commit to one community over time.

blindmalice

"looking for every angle to redo his professional life"

Are there exorcists in the Episcopalian church? One is obviously needed here to remove the politician demon that inhabits his core.

paxetaurora

No real story here. The Episcopal Church in America has ordained openly gay men and women, celibate and in committed relationships, for years. But the ordination process for Episcopal priests is arduous and lengthy; it's similar to ordination for Roman Catholic priests, although, obviously, the Episcopals are more liberal when it comes to priests (male and female, it should be noted) in relationships. Many people are rejected, probably for more banal reasons even than McGreevey's.