ORANGE COUNTY COMMENTARY; Marriage Brings Advantages to Clergy ORANGE COUNTY EDITION

As a pastor, I have been asked, "Should celibacy be required for priests, bishops or pastors?" The current controversy in the Catholic Church about pedophile priests has renewed the debate on clergy celibacy. Does celibacy contribute to pedophilia? The question is argued both ways. Regardl...

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Published inThe Los Angeles times
Main Author Beckwith, Dave
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Los Angeles, Calif Los Angeles Times Communications LLC 26.05.2002
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Summary:As a pastor, I have been asked, "Should celibacy be required for priests, bishops or pastors?" The current controversy in the Catholic Church about pedophile priests has renewed the debate on clergy celibacy. Does celibacy contribute to pedophilia? The question is argued both ways. Regardless of your view, celibacy is not for everyone, and required celibacy for priests needs serious examination. Unfortunately, celibacy, when required as a condition of the priesthood, has become a "bridge leading to deeply troubled waters." God-designed sexual passion is normal, wonderful, but exceedingly powerful. Sexual passions need appropriate expression, and mandatory celibacy, while well-intended, may contribute to inappropriate sexual behaviors. It is time to end the practice of mandatory celibacy.
ISSN:0458-3035