A Catholic priest has said he was sacked for supporting LGBTI rights.

Reverend Warren Hall, who used to work at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, posted a message on Facebook supporting the NO H8  campaign.

‘I’ve been fired from SHU for posting a pic on FB supporting LGBT "NO H8",’ he said on Twitter.

‘I’m sorry it was met with this response. I’ll miss my work here.

It came as the university’s basketball team recruited Derrick Gordon, the first openly gay Division I men’s basketball player.

Students are now petitioning for him to be reinstated as the university’s director of campus ministry. It has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

The change.org petition states: ‘This action is not in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, nor is it line with the words of Pope Francis, current leader of the Roman Catholic Church.’

Responding to the petition, Hall said: Grateful for all the support. Dont be angry!! Turn this into an opportunity for open/reasonable discussion on LGBT issues on a Cath Campus.’

A Sefton Hall spokesman told the Washington Post: ‘Seton Hall University does not comment on personnel matters.

‘The Archbishop of Newark appoints the Director of Campus Ministry, who serves at his discretion.’