[cloudmountain]

If you listen to the wives of vicars and ministers, THEY say that celibacy really is better. A man who tries to be FOR ALL the best husband, father and vicar/minister finds that there simply isn't enough time in the day or enough of him to go around for everyone who needs him.

Even the Russian Orthodox don't permit marriage AFTER a man becomes a priest. There must be a reason for that or why would it matter?

[Biggirl]

Also in the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, plus the other Orthodox churches, a man MUST marry first before being ordained as a priest. When a bishop is appointed, they have to go to the mononstic communities in order to get a bishop if my memory serves me correct.

Plus I do believe the apostle Paul said to Timothy, in one of his letters in the Bible that a bishop should be married only once.

[metmom]

If you listen to the wives of vicars and ministers, THEY say that celibacy really is better. A man who tries to be FOR ALL the best husband, father and vicar/minister finds that there simply isn't enough time in the day or enough of him to go around for everyone who needs him.

If there were more men in the ministry, then they wouldn't be overworked and not have enough time for their families and it wouldn't be an issue.