Madison Diocese Comments
Many issues and ideas must be discussed in the church—in addition to clerical celibacy. For example: how a ‘teaching” church can best express its own values and participate in a democracy without turning into an isolated sect.
Would like bishops present at discussion.
Thanks—I am a CTA member.
It’s time our Bishops hear us out. They treat us like we are children, as though only they have the gift of knowledge. Thanks for this survey.
It would be nice to have at least some of the bishops support their priests! I don’t remember that ever happening.
I admire the initiative of the Milwaukee priests and the way they have gone about letting their views be known.
God bless your efforts. The Holy Spirit is with you, and so are the majority of priests, still active or laicized. My prayers and support always and everywhere. (P.s. I like your approach—it will reap more truthful, realistic results.) Keep persevering. I would have signed my name if requested.
Church teaching calls celibacy a charism, but in practice, ignores this truth by mandating it for all who feel called to priesthood. This discipline sets up a needless conflict in those who feel called to celibacy but do not have the gift of celibacy. Optional celibacy would eliminate this problem.
If the priest is to be and “alter Christus,” how better to express this than by being celibate as Jesus was?
I don’t feel such a discussion is appropriate.
Shame on you (CTA)…John Paul II on several occasions has stated that any change on the rule of celibacy was not open to discussion or debate. You show some disobedience and disrespect to our Holy Father on your movement.
The church has spoken – optional celibacy shows lack of respect for her teaching.
Ecclesia dixit.
I’m sure your motives are good and well intended. Part of me feels sad that people would view my celibacy as a negative or hurtful thing that needs to be examined. My celibacy is the beautiful gift I offer to God and to the Body of Christ (the Church). To me this is the same thing as asking a married couple if monogamy should be optional. Celibacy is what makes the priesthood beautiful, life giving.
This is not an option. Why would we discuss it?
There are problems with married deacons and divorce. Those problems would be magnified with married priests. I’d rather talk about celibate women priests. But I’m not opposed to married priests, just wary.
The flaunting of OCS on return envelopes will cause hesitation on the part of rural (small town) parish pastors.
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