Posted on 03/12/2015 12:31:53 PM PDT by Legatus
I agree as evidenced by Mark 1:30 and 1 Titus 3:2, 4 and 5.
The problem was the transfer of Church property. Compulsory clerical celibacy was implemented to stop the transfer of Church properties from father to son and it was also implemented to give the hierarchy more control over the clergy. I think in our current era we can allow for vocations in which priests can be married without placing in jeopardy Church properties just as the private sector does, just as the government does, just as other Churches do, including the Orthodox Church and other Catholic churches in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Starting in the 11th century Pope Gregory VII started to enforce celibacy. The demand for celibacy came from the masses who were tired of priests being more concerned about making money for the family or finding nice positions for the sons than tending the flock. I remember a history book about that the era. People would drive away what they saw as corrupt priests along with the real or fake wives.
OK, so supposing we go ahead with this, what about the 400k or so priests who are currently serving? What will we do about paying for entire families to live in a rectory? What will we do about clerical divorce? Will we completely sever ties with the Orthodox and have married bishops? If not, where will we get our bishops, and what justification will we be able to use? What about bad PKs (priest’s kids), what do we do about their fathers?
Have you polled your local priests, are you ready for the vacuum that will hit us when thousands of them leave the Church or enter monastic life?
I think this is an urban legend. The "Church properties" didn't belong to the priest in the first place, nor do they now.
I agree, however, there was the issue of benefices.
I’d think many American dioceses couldn’t afford to maintain a priest with his family. The parishioners certainly might balk.
Interesting. I thought only the Roman Church was Catholic. I need to read up on this. Do you have a link or reference that lists all the 22 churches?
Your terms are confusing me; the Orthodox Churches are not in union with Rome, though they are not considered heresies (as the Protestant Churches are). Orthodox Christians are permitted to receive Communion in Catholic churches because of this distinction.
Eastern Catholic churches are in union with Rome; they allow married priests already. The story is misleading, in that it should specify that celibacy in the Latin (Roman Catholic) rite may be reviewed.
For the record, the Pope has already stated quite publicly that the issue of clerical celibacy is “on my agenda.” So this is hardly news, nor is it altogether unlikely.
http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2015/02/pope-francis-issue-of-married-priests.html
Does happen about the Eastern Rite Catholics.
Both Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholic Priests are allowed to get married, but BEFORE the priest is ordained.
It is authoritative enough for fools.
I think its a great move. The celibacy requirement has been an obvious driver in the Church’s boy-abusing problem.
Get rid of it.
“Are the Orthodox recruiting?”
NO!
Arthur has explained that this is NOT just a matter of discipline, but a matter strongly connected to doctrine. Perhaps he can explain this again.....
Unlikely to be convincing, since Christ himself selected married men.
Celebacy is the cause of homosexual child molestation?
I only know of one. Care to list the other married apostles?
Celibacy is NOT the cause of child molestation. Homosexuality is.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.