Sinkspur, I know this is a very hot issue for you, but I would sincerely like to know your sentiments on this subject. I know I've stated my position before that I am glad the majority of our priests are celibate.
There's just so much less for a priest to worry about if he doesn't have a family. And the confession lines are short enough without the priest being another one of the dads in the parish. I don't know too much about this, but in the Eastern churches, doesn't a priest have to be single to be elevated to bishop? So it seems even in that tradition, the ideal there is also celibacy.
However, permanent deacons, in my experience, have been a wonderful addition to the clergy.
I would be curious to hear from priests' wives on the subject, since it would seem to me those wives would have a tremendous burden.
It's an "ideal" if you want to be a bishop.
The Church is bending at the seams for lack of priests. I'm not sure if relaxing the celibacy rules (meaning that married men could be ordained priests) would make much difference, but it would open the priesthood to mature men who could make a big difference in the life of the Church.
The permanent diaconate is the ONLY vocation that has grown dramatically in the last 25 years: an average of 750 deacons ordained per year, versus 400 priests.
Yes, even wives of deacons have to be committed to the ministry. But, there is no lack of commitment on their part, nor on the part of their deacon husbands.
Men who choose to be celibate could embrace the priesthood, and, if so chosen, the episcopacy. And, the Church could benefit from the perspective of married men, as they do now with the 200 Anglican dispensation priests.
I believe that I'm also correct in saying that married men may be ordained priests but that once a priest, a single man may not marry.