I am Catholic, as I think my sig indicates! and have been in open forums and have always discussed theological differences with Protestants here in a fair manner. On this point, I have to agree with you. This is an interesting thread but should not be used to turn it into a flame war.
However, the article does indicate that since 1980 when Pope John Paul II signed “Pastoral Provision” that over 100 former Protestant Clergy (Mostly Anglican and some Lutheran) have been ordained to the Catholic Priesthood [and many of those as married men].
Points I see here, many of these men were starting to see the wisdom of a continuity of Tradition down through the centuries, rather than what is becoming more and more of a discontinuity in many of the Prosteant Confessions and see in the Bishop of Rome and the Magesterium a source of authority to sort out theological questions that have arisen and will continue to arise. Next, I think this also shows that the Catholic Church sees that Confessional Protestants and Catholics, while having some theological differences, also have more in common, and this jesture by the Catholic Church was a charitable and Christian way to welcome back old friends back to the Church.
Finally, it also illustrates that while celibacy is a discipline supported by sacred scripture, one with eschatalogical signifiance [c.f. Mt 19: 11-12, 1 Cor 7:32, Rev 14:4], it is not a doctrine of the Catholic Church and thus married men can be ordained in the Catholic Church, although the norm is celibacy for Priests in the Latin/Roman Church.
Anyway, regards and lets hope the rest of this thread is discussed without the polemics.
That fact does not confirm anything in these discussions. It is just a statistic. How many "scientists" agree with evolution, or "man-made global warming". Does their agreement make them correct.
I will stand on my faith in God. I trust you will do the same. Just don't be so arrogant as to assume anyone would accept such simple test for truth. There is only one truth.
There truly is a catholic church. It just isn't situated in Rome. It's head is Jesus, the Christ, and His church is in the hearts of believers.
He is risen. Take Him down from the altar. That is idolatry. God is a Spirit. The Bible tells me so...
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Galatians is a letter from Paul. He wrote about Peter's role in early Christian history. You may choose to disagree with me, but Paul is certainly abetter authority.
The Council at Jerusalem
1Then after an interval of fourteen years I (A)went up again to Jerusalem with (B)Barnabas, taking (C)Titus along also.
2It was because of a (D)revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the (E)gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be (F)running, or had run, in vain.
3But not even (G)Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was (H)compelled to be circumcised.
4But it was because of the (I)false brethren secretly brought in, who (J)had sneaked in to spy out our (K)liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to (L)bring us into bondage.
5But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that (M)the truth of the gospel would remain with you.
6But from those who were of high (N)reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; (O)God shows no partiality)--well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.
7But on the contrary, seeing that I had been (P)entrusted with the (Q)gospel to the uncircumcised, just as (R)Peter had been to the circumcised
8(for He who effectually worked for Peter in his (S)apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles)...
... 19"For through the Law I (AU)died to the Law, so that I might live to God.
20"I have been (AV)crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but (AW)Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in (AX)the Son of God, who (AY)loved me and (AZ)gave Himself up for me.
21"I do not nullify the grace of God, for (BA)if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."
In addition, 21 of the 22 Churches sui juris which comprise the Catholic Church, ordain, as a norm, married men.