[ealgeone]

The principle of the possibility of married priests is not contested, as it already exists as an actuality in the Church.

You wouldn't gather that from some of your fellow Roman Catholics.

You'd think having married priests is the end of the world. And for some of your fellow RCs it would be.

I did see the part of having women as deacons. That would be an error and departure from Scripture.

[Mrs. Don-o]

There are legit arguments --- which I would support --- for retaining celibacy for the most part in the Western (Roman) Rite. It was recommended by St. Paul, for one, and it imitates Christ.

I think one reason why people are realistically reacting against it, is that it is being used as a rhetorical springboard for many other initiatives.

The very idea of voluntary celibacy (which is what priestly celibacy is) goes against the whole modern ideology that sexual expression is a core human right, and everybody's gotta "do it" or they are either suppressed, oppressed, repressed, or depressed.

I think celibacy is one shining, and frankly countercultural sign that our real "fulfillment" as human beings is not in this world but in the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 19:12 (KJV)
There are some which have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.