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How many Eastern Rite priests get divorced? Is there worldwide scandal over that?

There's no point in arguing this. You have no idea how many divorces married priests may or may not have. I can tell you, there are very, very few divorces among permanent deacons.

In fact, if you want to lessen the number of divorces, don't ordain any married man under 40 to the priesthood.

Either the Church will allow married priests, or it won't.

It is interesting to argue both sides, however, which is what we're doing here. But, ultimately, the decision is out of our hands.

BCM: What percentage of Catholic priests worldwide are Eastern-rite? I'm assuming the entire budget and system is set up for the Eastern-rite priests. A priest with a wife and 9 children is going to have problems. This would be setting the proper example for his flock if he is open to life. There's no point in arguing this. You have no idea how many divorces married priests may or may not have. BCM: The Protestant ministers' divorce rate is higher than the general population. That is a fact. I can tell you, there are very, very few divorces among permanent deacons. BCM: I'm sorry, I didn't know you had to leave in the middle of the night to give Extreme Unction, or give counseling advice, or hear confessions, or make all the decisions about the parish. You are mixing apples and oranges and you know it. Married men are having hard enought times staying married. Priests are having a hard enough time being celibate. And you want to COMBINE the two challenges!!! In fact, if you want to lessen the number of divorces, don't ordain any married man under 40 to the priesthood. BCM: What is the magic number about 40? What if he and his wife are still having children? What kind of man with a large family in today's environment can live on a priest's salary? Oh, that's right. We assume the wife will work to make ends meet. That will be fabulous for the children's upbringing. Fabulous. It is interesting to argue both sides, however, which is what we're doing here. But, ultimately, the decision is out of our hands. BCM: No, it is in God's appointed vicar on Earth's hands and the Tradition of the Church, thanks be to God!