Time to Abolish Clerical Celibacy

frontpagemag.com ^ | January 3, 2002 | Jamie Glazov

[dtom]

Time to Abolish Clerical Celibacy

FrontPageMagazine.com | January 3, 2002

FATHER ARTHUR CARRAHER is a Roman Catholic priest in Toronto. He has just recently confessed to being a child molester. He faces seven charges of indecent assault in Dublin, Ireland.

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Tragically, this 79-year-old criminal might avoid justice, because it looks like he will live out his final days in Canada. Already ill, this individual benefits from the fact that bureaucrats have yet to ratify an extradition treaty that would force him back to Ireland.

It is clear that "Father" Carraher settled in Canada to avoid punishment for his crimes. His victims, meanwhile, whose lives he shattered at a young age, cry out for justice.

This outrage is just another reminder of the serious problem that has grown within the Catholic Church as a result of the imposition of clerical celibacy.

I am a Catholic. I believe in the Church. I have also had the privilege of meeting, and befriending, many Catholic priests in my life - and a large proportion of them are obviously pious people who are not child abusers.

Having said that, I must say that, as a Catholic, I can no longer stay silent about the pathology that the enforcement of celibacy has caused within the Church.

Forced clerical celibacy simply has to go. It is directly connected to the widespread existence of pedophilia and homosexuality in the priesthood. Many of my fellow Catholics will be outraged at me for raising this issue. But I am far more concerned about the victims who have had their lives and identities destroyed for a lifetime, than I am about making some people uncomfortable about bringing this taboo subject up for discussion.

Let?s get one thing straight: enforced celibacy has nothing to do with Christian theology. That?s why it was never an enforced rule for priests until the 11^th century, when the Church officially mandated it for completely non-theological reasons. Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085) banned priests from being married because he wanted to solve the problem of their families inheriting Church property.

Anyone with half a brain would have known that Pope Gregory?s act was going to invite a tremendous evil into the Church. I mean, think about it: does it really take a rocket scientist to figure out what will happen to males in an institution that forbids them from getting married? Let me give you a little hint: ponder what happens to a male?s mind and body after he goes through puberty. Now consider the consequences of a male repressing, and not having an outlet for, the natural feelings and desires that he will subsequently live with for the rest of his adult life. Perhaps some people don?t need sex. Fair enough. But it needs to be a voluntary decision.

Is it really a surprise that criminals like "Father" Carraher emerge and that they destroy the lives of many innocent human beings? Of course Carraher must accept personal responsibility for what he did. After all, the majority of priests are obviously ethical people who do not hurt young boys - notwithstanding their celibacy. But this does not mean that we should ignore the pathology that is engendered by enforced celibacy.

In recent years, reports of Catholic priests sexually abusing children have come to light in virtually every major U.S. city. Yet the Church continues to refuse to deal with this problem in a serious way. It?s time it did.

The fact is that when women are demonized, pathology always emerges. It is so ingrained in many Catholic priests to believe that it would be dirty and evil for them to have sex with a woman, that some of them end up rationalizing that it is less sinful to molest a little boy -- or to have sex with a man. Yet, for the Catholic Church, the alternative decision to engage in homosexuality is far more sinful, and in the case of the abuse of little boys, far more inhumane, criminal and clearly diabolical.

Abnormal sexual behavior, like pedophilia, is often found among males in situations where the woman -- the ideal sexual object -- is forbidden or unavailable. That?s why a strong case can be made that Islamic terror, for instance, is rooted in the misogyny and sexual repression that is embedded in Muslim cultures.

In light of these realities, it is the obligation, especially of Catholics, to speak out against the Church?s policy of mandatory celibacy for priests. It?s the least that the victims of "Father" Carraher, and of the hundreds of monsters like him, deserve.

Jamie Glazov holds a Ph.D. in History with a specialty in Soviet Studies. He is the author of 15 Tips on How to be a Good Leftist. Born in the U.S.S.R., Jamie is the son of prominent Soviet dissidents, and now resides in Vancouver, Canada. He writes the Dr. Progressive advice column for angst-ridden leftists at EnterStageRight.com. E-mail him at jglazov@home.com.

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[Steve0113]

try not having sex for a couple of years

I can attest that you won't die from it. It involves that unpopular virtue known as self control, which is useful in all areas of life.

[RosieCotton]

Regardless of whether it is forced or not, I think the point is that repression of a persons natural sexuality causes that persons sexuality to become warped. If you don't believe it, then try not having sex for a couple of years and see what kind of thoughts start to go running through your head.

Oh puh-LEASE! Does this mean people who don't practice pre-marital sex are automatically insane until they get married? Some people besides priests and religious are single (and celibate) all their lives. Are they all perverts?

Believe it or not, there's more to life than sex.

[discostu]

Why did your family really leave the Church?

Lots of reasons, Vatican II contributed. Basically it was a loss of faith in the Church. I never meant to imply that clerical celibacy was the only reason we left, I'm sorry if you got that impression.

The idea that only a married man with kids can give Christian advice is the exact type of thinking that leads women to believe that only a woman can act as a therepist to women, blacks to believe that only a black can represent blacks in Congress, etc.

You're misunderstanding what I said. Clearly anyone that is well grounded in the faith can give Christian advice. But how can some one that has never been married help me apply the Bible to marital problems? They can quote it and interpret it all they want but unless they're in a position to give practicle advice, relate their experiences and what did and did not work for them the advice is all theory. It's not at all like only women can provide therapy for women or blacks represent blacks, those things are physiological not experiental. It's more like how only cops really understand cops, only people that have served in the military understand what it means to be a soldier. Someone that has never been married cannot understand marriage.

It is repugnant to the idea that we are all formed in the image of God.

Absolutely. The idea that color and race make us so different we can't understand each other is foolish. But we must experience makes all of us different from each and advice must come from common ground. No one that has not had the experience of something can offer up good advice on how other can better survive that same thing. I cannot tell people how to deal with the problems that arise from limb paralysis because I've never dealt with it, I can offer general support and a friendly ear, but I can't say "do this" because I don't know anything about it. Someone that has never had to reopen the lines of communication with a spouse cannot instruct on how to reopen lines of communication with a spouse, they have no praticle experience and anything they say on the subject is just something they've been told or read.

One must also remember that during the time period my family was growing away from the Church was a time when the Church frowned upon external counciling. At that time married Catholic with issues at home were instructed to NOT seek outside marriage councilors, but to only discuss these things with their priest. Your priest was supposed to be the entire support network, if you sought assistance from others you were being a bad Catholic, and unfortunately priests just can't give good advice on some stuff. Nobody is good at everything, and the severely limited experiences of priests severely limit the things they are good at.

[FormerLib]

Allowing married men to become priests would increase the number of eligible applicants, but it would not prevent pedophiles from joining the ranks. Pedophiles infiltrate organizations such as the Roman Catholic clegry (and the Boy Scouts!) so that they might gain access to children. They will continue to do this until the end.

It is what their perversion and their masters demands of them.

[tortoise]

there is a little known dispensatin that allows married Episcopal priests, who become Catholic, to stay married and function as priests

I've also been told by a Catholic priest that marriage is allowed in certain parts of the world where the culture is such that the priest could not effectively function in the society unless he was married. I recall certain parts of Africa being mentioned by name.

It therefore seems that celibacy of the priesthood is "ernestly recommended" rather than being an unbendable doctrine. I actually think the church would benefit if the priests could be married, allowing them to interface more effectively with their constituents. It certainly seems to have helped the protestants.

[ArGee]

You do a better job than me and several others here on many issues dear to us... ;-)

I may not be a member of the Holy Roman Church, but I have great respect for her. And all members of the Church are my brothers and sisters and I have great love for them. I know bashing when I hear it, and bashing can usually be addressed by logic. As for my membership, if I could get a priest to accept certain views of mine that are distinct from those often shared from the pulpit as being non-apostate - even if I never share them - then I could become a member of a Catholic Community with no trouble. But I would not want to hold my views to myself and not clear my relationship with the Shepherd of the Flock. IMO: that would be dishonest. Also, my wife was raised Baptist. She has come a long way in her spiritual walk to stop worrying about labels, but becoming Catholic would still be too great a stretch for her. And I love her to much to press the issue.

Shalom.

[BlueLancer]

"Time to Abolish Clerical Celibacy"

I do clerical work in addition to my job as a court reporter.

Nobody told me about enforced celibacy. Who's going to come and arrest me, the Spanish Inquisition?

8')

[miss marmelstein]

I also think there is some "design" behind the increasing decadence of the American Catholic Church - although I don't know the how or wherefore. I have been increasingly dismayed by the sloppily celebrated Masses (with little girl altar boys running around dropping the Host and spilling wine) that always culminate in EVERYONE going up to receive communion - although no one has been to Confession.

People in this forum keep referring to archaic institutions like "nunneries," and using words like "rigid" to describe the Church. There are NO nunneries. Nuns live in sorority-like houses, wear jeans and engage in social work. They have more freedom now than ever. I believe the wrong people are being recruited into the Church - not turned into perverts by RC rigidity.

One other thing, before I lay down with a cold cloth across my forehead: if you want to see "rigidity", go visit a Parisian Catholic Church. You will see secluded nuns (you can peek at them through a grill) dressed in starched habits, literally singing God's praises while accompanying themselves on musical instruments. Most would think they lead miserable lives - except for the serenity written so clearly on their faces.

Please forgive this rant!!

[xm177e2]

The problem is not "forced celibacy." The problem is different entirely.

Pedophiles usually don't want to be pedophiles, and they usually turn to God for help. They figure, if I become a priest, maybe God will cure my problem.

And God NEVER cures anyones' problems for them.

So after a while, maybe even a few decades, they start molesting children.

However, the idea that forced celibacy leads to child molestation is ridiculous, they could always go for women around their own age.

[ArGee]

Believe it or not, there's more to life than sex.

Bears repeating. Bump!

Shalom.

[ArGee]

Who's going to come and arrest me, the Spanish Inquisition?

Nooooooobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. Our chief weapon is surprise. Surprise and fear. Our two chief weapons are suprise and fear and ruthless efficiency. Our three chief weapons are fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, and a fanatical devotion to the Pope. Ah. Amongst our weaponry are such diverse elements as, fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, a fanatical devotion to the Pope, and a night out with the boys. Ack! I'll come in again.

You asked for it.

Shalom.

[Darth Sidious]

If Mary was always a virgin, Joseph would be the greatest saint who ever lived.

[ArGee]

And God NEVER cures anyones' problems for them.

I suppose you can back up anything in this rediculous post. Particularly the quoted claim?

No I don't. Not really. Shalom.

[ken5050]

Many years ago, I was at a dinner party where Richard Cardinal Cushing, was also in attendance. It was a family gathering....the girl I was seeing was a distant cousin of the Cardinal's...he was a charming man, and a marvelous raconteur..he had many of us listening to him in utter fascination for several hours...at the time, there had been a similar call in the media to allow RC priests to marry, and one of the guests asked the Cardinal what he thought of the idea.....He took a sip of brandy, looked up, with a twinkle in his eye, and told us....."but what will I do when they want to get divorced?"....I always thought it was the most marvelous answer..

[SoothingDave]

I never meant to imply that clerical celibacy was the only reason we left, I'm sorry if you got that impression.

Looking back, I see I read you to fast, so the fault is mine.

You're misunderstanding what I said. Clearly anyone that is well grounded in the faith can give Christian advice. But how can some one that has never been married help me apply the Bible to marital problems? They can quote it and interpret it all they want but unless they're in a position to give practicle advice, relate their experiences and what did and did not work for them the advice is all theory. It's not at all like only women can provide therapy for women or blacks represent blacks, those things are physiological not experiental. It's more like how only cops really understand cops, only people that have served in the military understand what it means to be a soldier. Someone that has never been married cannot understand marriage.

I would think that some blacks and women would call their existence "experiential" and consider the idea of taking advice from a "non" person useless. I do see what you are saying, and there is certainly a difference between empathy and sympathy. But I don't see where all advice, or all good advice needs to come from one with experience. Certainly it is often beneficial to be that way, so I will leave it at that.

SD

[ArGee]

If Mary was always a virgin, Joseph would be the greatest saint who ever lived.

Do you know that he was not? Can you imagine what the qualifications must be to be the earthly father to the Son of G-d?

Father tell me how I fit into this plan of yours.
How can a man be father to the son of G-d?
Lord, for all my life I've been a simple carpenter.
How can I raise a King? How can I raise a King?

-Michael Card

Shalom.

[FormerLib]

If Mary was always a virgin, Joseph would be the greatest saint who ever lived.

Actually, Mary is the greatest saint who ever lived.

[SoothingDave]

If Mary was always a virgin, Joseph would be the greatest saint who ever lived.

Do you project your sexual fantasies, grounded in this age of birth control, upon all characters in the Bible? Jesus lived 33 years, that's an awful long time to go without gettin' some, ain't it? He even had all those prostitutes around.

SD

[Steve0113]

It involves that unpopular virtue known as self control, which is useful in all areas of life.

I should have said that it develops that unpopular virtue known as self control, which is useful in all areas of life.

[Campion]

The fact is that when women are demonized, pathology always emerges. It is so ingrained in many Catholic priests to believe that it would be dirty and evil for them to have sex with a woman, that some of them end up rationalizing that it is less sinful to molest a little boy -- or to have sex with a man.

Oh, yeah, right ... "demonizing" women (???) creates pedophiles out of otherwise-normal adult men.

What rot. By the same logic, perhaps we should have shipboard brothels in the Navy -- otherwise, the risk of homosexual rape on those long sea voyages is just too high.

Thanks, Jamie, for ignoring all of the evidence from psychology, which indicates that sexual behavior patterns are chosen by late adolescence (after which no amount of "demonizing" of women will make a pedophile out of a normal man), and all of the evidence from sociology, which indicates that married Protestant clergy commit child sexual abuse at the same rates as celibate Catholic clergy.