[ReformationFan]

‘I am not a Catholic, but, I note the lock step consistency in these type stories.

An RC priest molests, or fornicates, and the problem instantly becomes celibacy.

Not child molestation, or fornication, or adultery, or pederasty, or homosexuality. No, no, the problem is celibacy.

Does the media all go to classes to get this formula? “Should an RC priest ever be caught in a sexual act of any kind, blame celibacy.”’

Exactly(and I am a Protestant). If a priest is committing child molestation, or fornication, or adultery, or pederasty, or homosexuality he is not by very definition of the word celibate.

[VidMihi]

In my opinion it is utter nonsense to relate celibacy to any of the situations mentioned. Celibacy is a Church discipline regarding the lifestyle of the priest. Loneliness probably relates to celibacy, and by a long extension you might be able to hook these in, but to make an issue of celibacy relative to these problems is a stretch.

Celibacy does relate to service to the church, whether it's requirement is a good thing considering the shortage of priests, the resulting lack of heterosexual vocations, and the very frequent violations of the discipline. What best meets the needs of the Church today?