Raleigh Comments
“Anecdotal evidence suggests many priests in Africa & Latin
America are married, many with children. This conversation must
happen.”
-- Age 71+
“While I am always for open discussion of most things – including
this subject – I must say that as a married priest (I was
ordained through the Pastoral Provision nine years ago) I do NOT
favor the end of celibacy for Latin Rite priests As I listen to
this discussion and hear both celibate priests and married (or
single) lay people talk in favor of a change in the fatherly discipline;
I think ‘you do not know what you are asking.’ As one
who was a single Episcopal priest for six years and then a married
Episcopal priest for fourteen years and now a (married) Catholic
priest for nine years I think I have a perspective that not many
others have.”
-- Age 61-70
“The present system is very hypocritical, giving all powers
to the high hierarchy, and priests are denied their human rights.
Many good men have left the seminary and priesthood because of
this man-made rule of celibacy, which has created a safe haven
for homosexuals. THERE SHOULD BE A CHOICE TO PRESERVE THE CREDIBILITY
AMONG THE PEOPLE OF GOD OF ANY DENOMINATION.”
-- Age 41-50
“Celibacy is the bishops’ way of controlling priests.
It’s not good and never has been. Unless we have a married
priesthood (optional celibacy), our Church will continue in the
irreversible decline in which it’s heading. Celibacy is neither
natural or biblical. But optional celibacy must be retroactive.
All priests should have the opportunity to marry, not just those
who will be getting ordained in the future, but also those diocesan
guys who are in the ministry now.”
-- Age 51-60
“’It is not good for man to be alone.’
“For centuries priests were either married or lived in community.
Now many priests have neither a wife nor a community. In an age
when we are pledging to be more open to scripture how can we allow
so many priests to live alone? A healthy priesthood demands a healthy
lifestyle – and that is not found in isolation but a healthy,
wholesome living environment.”
-- Age unknown
“Right on! Let us speak this truth to power! Joe Vetter’s
remark was accurate --- it is a dysfunctional Chruch that cannot
assure its own leadership.”
-- Retired Priest, Age 71+
“The price of mandatory celibacy is unavailability of the
Eucharist.”
-- Retired priest, Age 71+
“I would prefer to have an open discussion concerning how
some priests in the diocese can justify being associated with a
group which has ceased to be Catholics and for all intensive purposes
is in a state of SCHISM!
-- Age 25-40, opposes discussion.
“No! Definitely No!”
-- Retired Religious Order Priest,
age unknown.
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