Yes, I am Catholic. But the Church isn’t always right. Look at the current pope for further proof.
In all of those scriptures you quoted, not one of them requires celibacy as a condition for service in the priesthood. In point of fact, St. Paul says a bishop should be the husband of one wife, check out the passage I quoted above 1 Timothy 3:2.
Jesus NEVER taught that celibacy was a requirement for service in the priesthood.
Paul NEVER taught that celibacy was a requirement for service in the priesthood. The contrary is true.
Fact is NO ONE in the Bible ever said that celibacy was a requirement for service in the priesthood.
Most early priests, bishops, and popes in the early Church were in fact married men. Celibacy was not instituted until well into the Middle Ages.
Paul was older when he was writing his letters. He left his religion and became a Christian. He was most likely a widower and had no desire to remarry and he thought Jesus was returning very soon. Paul has no problem with married people serving in the clergy and teaching the gospel. Period.
I stopped right there.
Using the words "Church" and "Pope" synonymously tells me plenty.
The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. It is also the "Bride of Christ" as St. Paul tells us. Do I need to post the Scripture?
If the Church "isn't always right" then Christ is a liar.
Well?