[Married] Lutheran minister to become Roman Catholic priest

AP ^ | June 9, 2003

[george wythe]

Much as Martin Luther left the Catholic Church hundreds of years ago because he didn't like the church's direction, a Lutheran minister is becoming a Roman Catholic priest.

The Rev. Leonard Klein, whose last service as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in York is June 29, says the Evangelical Church in America is moving further and further from orthodoxy. Klein, who follows a traditional view of marriage, said issues such as the blessing of same-sex unions should not even be up for debate

The decision was difficult because he is leaving a congregation that he has been happy to serve for 22 years, he said.

"It's certainly a loss," said the Rev. Beth Schlegel, an associate pastor at Christ Lutheran.

Klein, 57, is to attend St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, and is to be ordained after three years.

Klein is married, which will make him an oddity among Roman Catholic priests. The Roman Catholic Church accepts a few married clergymen as priest candidates if they come from a faith tradition close to Catholicism, Klein said. Most are Lutherans and Episcopalians.

[B-Chan]

Because it's a good tradition, going all the way back to the Apostles. It's not a requirement, but it's a darn good idea that has done the Church well for centuries.

As conservatives, we should be promoting the continuance of our cultural and religious traditions, not advocating their end.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

A tacky wench, this one.

[presidio9]

Please show the figures that back up that claim.

[ex-snook]

Until I read about how many ex-priests have become ministers so they could get married, this will be a phony issue.

[Protagoras]

Much as Martin Luther left the Catholic Church hundreds of years ago because he didn't like the church's direction

Incorrect.

[Sonny M]

Even a significant minority of married priests can provide additional wisdom to the Church in general and fellow celibate priests in particular while dealing with family matters.

I don't see why the catholic church can't keep the rule that says you may not get married if you are a priest, but also add a rule that says if you are married, you can become a priest.

[presidio9]

Because it's a good tradition, going all the way back to the Apostles. It's not a requirement, but it's a darn good idea that has done the Church well for centuries.

Actually several of the apostles were married. Celibacy was not implemented in the RC Church until the Middle Ages. The reason it was implemented was the Church had become the largest landholder in Europe and they could not afford Priests having legitimate offspring.

And Catholic priests in Africa are permitted to marry right now.

[Polycarp]

.

[Bohemund]

Actually several of the apostles were married. Celibacy was not implemented in the RC Church until the Middle Ages. The reason it was implemented was the Church had become the largest landholder in Europe and they could not afford Priests having legitimate offspring.

Actually, though several of the apostles were indeed married, the Catholic Church enforced celibacy as early as the 4th century (the Council of Elvira).

And Catholic priests in Africa are permitted to marry right now.

No, African Catholic priests are not allowed to be married. If they are indeed getting married, they are in violation of Church rules.

[StoneColdTaxHater]

I was a member of an ELCA church in Raleigh, NC. The pastor was one of the most liberal men of the cloth I have ever met. Nice man but the church embraces the most liberal stuff. The Missouri Synod of the Lutheran church is much more traditional and will not embrace such things as female ministers or same sex unions.

[presidio9]

No, African Catholic priests are not allowed to be married. If they are indeed getting married, they are in violation of Church rules.

Well, then the Church chooses to look the other way. Do a websearch the practice is widespread in Africa.

[Bohemund]

Well, then the Church chooses to look the other way. Do a websearch the practice is widespread in Africa.

I am aware that there are some renegade priests in Africa that violate the Church's rules, just as priests violate the Church's rules in a number of ways all over the world. This is somewhat different than the Church "permitting" priests to marry in Africa.

[ninenot]

Well, at SacHeartMajor/Detroit, he will receive some of the best training in liturgical music available in the US Church.

That's good news.

[Notwithstanding]

Lansing's Fr. Anderson will say his mass of thanksgiving at my very faithful (extremely overtly pro-large-family, pro-life, anti-contraception, pro-pope, anti-modernism, pro-traditional-piety) Catholic parish.

[sitetest]

Dear george wythe,

Optional celibacy would likely lead to customary, almost mandatory, marriage for candidates to the priesthood.


sitetest

[omega4412]

That is the rule in the Orthodox church. Bishops are chosen from the unmarried priests.

[george wythe]

What do you think about keeping our current rules with only a minor change:

Every time we allow a Protestant-turned-Catholic to become a married priest, we also allow an always-been-Catholic to become a married priest.

Celibate priests will still be the majority, but we will not have a double standard dealing with exceptions to our rules.

[sitetest]

Dear george wythe,

"Every time we allow a Protestant-turned-Catholic to become a married priest, we also allow an always-been-Catholic to become a married priest."

LOL. Very cute.

Nonetheless, no, I wouldn't think it was a good idea. Not that my opinion matters.


sitetest

[george wythe]

:-)

I was just thinking outloud.

I hope better minds than mine can come up with a reasonable compromise.