Jim McGreevey Bid to Become Priest Rejected

Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, who resigned in 2004 after acknowledging he is a "gay American," had his eye on a new job—but so far it's not working out. McGreevey tried to join the priesthood, but the Episcopal Church rejected him, the New York Post reports. "It was not being gay but for being a jackass" that he was rejected, says a source with the diocese, noting that McGreevey "didn't come out of the whole divorce looking good."

Episcopal leaders have long embraced gay clergy, but were concerned with McGreevey's sudden turn to the church—he converted from Catholicism after leaving office. "He ran to the church for some kind of cover, which isn't fully appropriate," says another source. "Even if he's a good guy, he should wait five to 10 years to get over his issues." Other sources note that would-be priests are often told to continue studying, and McGreevey, who recently received his master's in divinity, has told friends he "needs more seasoning." (More Jim McGreevey stories.)