...”There was no such animal as confession to a priest until the 1200’s”.....
But of course depending on a priest then establishes “forever” the Priesthood. ...and they’re den of thieves.
Ref “But of course depending on a priest then establishes “forever” the Priesthood. ...and they’re den of thieves.”
The “forever” part of the Church was established and instituted by Jesus through Peter.
While there are Priests who fall into temptation (yup, they are all human)and fail to live up to all of God’s teachings, the vast majority uphold the highest of human standards as they do God’s work on a daily basis. None of us should turn away from the truths of our faith because there are individuals who fall.