[ROLF of the HILL COUNTRY]

"Why is an Orthodox Christian butting in where his opinion is unwanted?"

What?!

Is this a thread for some exclusive group? What an incredibly bigotted remark!

As I understand it, in the 12th century the pope forbade priests to marry as a result of enrichment of their families. If that pope solved a social problem of the day by such a decree, why can't Pope Benedict fix the even greater problem it created (rampant homosexuality in the priesthood) by repealing it?

[Zemo]

That is why the early church ruled that bishops must be celibate because there was a fear of bishops really becoming princes of the church and passing down their offices from father to son as was done in once case of Pope to his son succession. Some examples of Popes coming from married clergy: Pope Agapetus I (died 22 April 536) reigned as pope from 535 to 536. Date of birth uncertain; he was the son of Gordianus, a Roman priest who had been slain during the riots in the days of Pope Symmachus.

Pope St. Silverius (Reigned 536-37). Dates of birth and death unknown. He was the son of Pope Hormisdas who had been married before becoming one of the higher clergy. Silverius entered the service of the Church and was subdeacon at Rome when Pope Agapetus died at Constantinople, 22 April, 536.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Celibacy causes homosexuality? Is that in the Bible?

[Calusa]

Alternatively, ordained homosexual priests might keep their vows of celibacy and abstain from incongruent behaviors. Also, aren't Anglicans allowed to marry and don't they have a homosexual bishop. So, much for your disparaging point.

[sitetest]

Dear ROLF of the HILL COUNTRY,

"Is this a thread for some exclusive group?"

The author of the article that starts this thread is Rod Dreher. Mr. Dreher is a member of Orthodoxy. Thus, I don't really care what he has to say about the Catholic Church.

As a Catholic, I don't tell the Orthodox how to run their show. Nor the Baptists, nor the Mormons. I have my disagreements with each of these, and sometimes try to politely discuss differences with members of each.

Nonetheless, I try to avoid prescribing courses of actions for any of them.

If Mr. Dreher wishes for Catholics to generally listen to his views on Catholicism, then he can become a Catholic.

Oh wait, he did that. Then quit when the going got tough. On his way out, he formally renounced the Catholic Church and Her Faith.

His opinions concerning Catholicism are less than worthless.


sitetest

[bornacatholic]

Yiun understand wrongly. From the get go, the Catholic Church demanded permanent continence/celibacy.

Google "The Apostolic Origins of Priestlt Celibacy"