[GipperGal]

You know what -- something tells me that if the diocese there were to ordained "women priests" and/or "married priests", the problem of accommodating a booming Catholic community would indeed disappear. Why? Because there would no longer be a growth in Church attendance! If fact, they would probably lose more than half of their current members. I willing to venture a guess that the reason why their community is growing is that they are an orthodox diocese!

[sinkspur]

You know what -- something tells me that if the diocese there were to ordained "women priests" and/or "married priests", the problem of accommodating a booming Catholic community would indeed disappear. Why? Because there would no longer be a growth in Church attendance! If fact, they would probably lose more than half of their current members. I willing to venture a guess that the reason why their community is growing is that they are an orthodox diocese!

How do you explain the growth in parishes WITH married priests? Most Catholics (if you believe the surveys) support married men in the priesthood. It's simply no big deal to them.

Look at the acceptance of married deacons.

I'm willing to venture a guess that accepting married men into the priesthood would be greeted enthusiastically by 80% or more of the weekly Mass attendees.

[Rytwyng]

if the diocese there were to ordained "women priests" and/or "married priests", the problem of accommodating a booming Catholic community would indeed disappear

These are 2 separate issues. Women "Priests" are a clear violation of scripture and can never be permitted -never, ever, ever, period, no discussion. If your church ever ordains one, LEAVE!

However -- as several Catholics have explained here at FR -- there are no inherent theological barriers to ordaining married men as priests; the Pope could change that any time if he felt it prudent to do so. It's his call, however, and not the diocese.