Updated

A Roman Catholic priest in St. Louis has written a book about his life as a homosexual priest.

The Rev. Gary Meier took a leave of absence last year as pastor at Saints Teresa and Bridget Church in St. Louis. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Meier's book, "Hidden Voices: Reflections of a Gay, Catholic Priest," was published anonymously in 2011. But Meier republished it this month under his name.

The Rev. James Martin, editor-at-large at America magazine, says there are only two or three priests in the U.S. who have said publicly they're gay.

St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson says Meier has an opportunity to be an example to others who struggle with the same feelings.

Meier says he'd like to remain a priest but believes that's unlikely.