You have confused cause and effect. Celibacy does not cause the molestation of boys. On the contrary, the sexual abuse of children has grown since our social and legal authorities started pretending that sex in all directions—both normal and perverted—were uncontrollable, "normal," and no big deal.
Celibacy, like chastity, demonstrates that we can control our natural impulses. The Church is hated for pointing this out and living by it. That is probably why offenses by Catholic priests in all matters sexual, which are statistically less common than those by public school teachers, coaches, Protestant clergy, rabbis, camp counselors, psychologists, or any other comparable group, are considered more scandalous.
I agree that sexual misdeeds by priests are more scandalous than those by others, because the priest represents much greater moral authority. And I agree that cadres of same-sex deviants should be purged from the priesthood—and from other institutions. But it would be absurd to suggest that the very teaching that opposes the abuse of sex should be purged at the same time.
“On the contrary, the sexual abuse of children has grown since our social and legal authorities started pretending that sex in all directions—both normal and perverted—were uncontrollable, “normal,” and no big deal.”
That’s why I think the instances of abuse peaked in the late 70s/early 80s, gays quit becoming priests as it became more acceptable in the broader culture. Why join an organization where you have to hide what you do and that is never going to accept it, especially when there are plenty of different religious faiths that will not only openly accept you, but also celebrate your ‘relationships?’
Freegards