The innovation of mandatory celibacy was documented and condemned in the 22nd Article of the Confession of Augsburg, A.D. 1530:
http://www.bookofconcord.org/augsburgconfession.html#article23
The most pertinent part follows:
10] It is also evident that in the ancient Church priests were married men. 11] For Paul says, 1 Tim. 3, 2, that a bishop should be chosen who is the husband of one wife.
12] And in Germany, four hundred years ago for the first time, the priests were violently compelled to lead a single life, who indeed offered such resistance that the Archbishop of Mayence, when about to publish the Pope's decree concerning this matter, was almost killed in the tumult raised by the enraged priests. 13] And so harsh was the dealing in the matter that not only were marriages forbidden for the future, but also existing marriages were torn asunder, contrary to all laws, divine and human, contrary even to the Canons themselves, made not only by the Popes, but by most celebrated Synods. [Moreover, many God-fearing and intelligent people in high station are known frequently to have expressed misgivings that such enforced celibacy and depriving men of marriage (which God Himself has instituted and left free to men) has never produced any good results, but has brought on many great and evil vices and much iniquity.]
Also worth reading :
http://www.bookofconcord.org/augsburgdefense/22_marriage.htmlThe innovation of mandatory celibacy was documented and condemned in the 22nd Article of the Confession of Augsburg, A.D. 1530 Where's the Confession of Augsburg in the Bible?
I found this in the Bible, from the mouth of our Lord:
Matthew 19:12 For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage [ Or have made themselves eunuchs] because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”