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To: Stingray51
I personally think priestly celibacy is an anachronism (then again, I guess it's not for me to say, since I'm not Catholic), but OTOH I don't understand how getting rid of celibacy is supposed to solve the pedophilia problem. Is the argument that these priests are buggering boys because they can't get any? That's ridiculous.
53 posted on 06/14/2002 6:48:36 PM PDT by Bob Quixote
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To: Bob Quixote
...I don't understand how getting rid of celibacy is supposed to solve the pedophilia problem.

You're correct in arguing that getting rid of the celibacy rule would not end the pedophilia problem. However, many would argue (I among them) that entering a priesthood where marriage is forbidden and contact with children is encouraged provides a perfect cover for those who would rather not be married anyway. Protestant clergy, by following the scriptural principal of being allowed to marry, are in no way immune from gross immorality. However, it certainly seems that the incident of such practices amongst Protestant clergy is much less than that among Catholic clergy.

This is really a Christian issue, not just a Catholic issue. The American bishops and cardinals have done all Christians a disservice by looking the other way with pedophilic and pederastic priests. If they had fulfilled their duty 20 and 30 years ago, we wouldn't be having this discussion today.

63 posted on 06/14/2002 7:56:02 PM PDT by DallasMike
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To: Bob Quixote
But it's NOT pedophilia....95% of the abuse victims are young males, usually adolescent. Sorry, but in my book that's homosexuality. Please call it what it is...makes it simpler that way.
86 posted on 06/15/2002 12:22:55 AM PDT by IrishRainy
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