Mistress and issue[edit]
Wolsey lived in a “noncanonical” marriage for around a decade with a woman called Joan Larke (born circa 1490) of Yarmouth, Norfolk. The edict that priests, regardless of their functions or the character of their work, should remain celibate had not been wholeheartedly accepted in England. Wolsey subsequently had two children, both born before he was made bishop. These were a son, Thomas Wynter (born circa 1510)[21] and a daughter, Dorothy (born circa 1512),[22] both of whom lived to adulthood. The son was sent to live with a family in Willesden and was tutored in his early years by Maurice Birchinshaw. He later married and had children of his own. Dorothy was adopted by John Clansey, and was in due course placed in Shaftesbury Nunnery, which had a fine reputation as a “finishing school”. Following the dissolution of the monasteries (under Thomas Cromwell) she was awarded a pension.[23] Following rapid promotion, Larke became a source of embarrassment to Wolsey who arranged for her marriage to George Legh of Adlington, in Cheshire, circa 1519. He himself provided the dowry.[21] Henry VIII had a mansion built for Legh at Cheshunt Great House.
He wasn’t allowed to marry but did it anyway. How come I seem to know more about your ancestor than you do?
My High School Chaplain (Father Finks) left the priesthood and was a follower of Saul Alinsky.
All I am saying is the precedent was established a lot less than 1000 years ago.
And Wolsey was hardly alone. There is the case of Cardinal Richelieu, the French equivalent of Cardinal Wolsey a century later. The biggest difference is that Richelieu never married but merely shared his affections with multiple women. He got away with it because he had the confidence of King Louis XIV in much the same way Wolsey enjoyed the confidence of King Henry VIII.
Another reason why we have the First Amendment and another reason why the most morally respected religious leaders maintain an arms length relationship with political leaders.