Clerical celibacy has long been a polarizing topic for those within, and even outside, the Catholic Church. The Catholic Sex Abuse Cases and the recent photographs of Father Alberto Cutié with a woman on the beach have brought the question back into the limelight: Should the Catholic Church continue its doctrine of clerical celibacy?
First of all, let me delve into a little history. The teaching of clerical celibacy was nothing official in the Church before the 12th century. While it was not official, it certainly was a tradition that was taught and practiced. Why did it become official, afterwards? Good question. I haven't got a clue. But it's a doctrine that I do agree with. I'll explain later.
Some people used (and still use) the Church Sex Abuse Cases as their reasoning to argue against the Church's doctrines. "If the priests were able to get married, they never would have molested those boys." First of all, I think it's ridiculous to claim that just because a man is unmarried, he all of a sudden will become a gay pedophile. The problem here never was relevant to clerical celibacy, it was merely a problem with men who obviously did not have what it took to become priests becoming ordained. So, if we're going to paint all, or most Catholic priests, as pedophiles, does that mean it's okay to label any devout Muslim as a terrorist? I think not. If clerical celibacy were really the reason for a man to dishonor his vow, a man would naturally find a woman to engage in relations with.
This leads to the newly-found situation with Father Alberto Cutié. I think that this priest was an absolute fool to do what he did. If you are as popular and recognizable as this guy is, why would you go to a public beach where anyone can see you with a woman, when it is known that you have taken a vow of celibacy? While I disagree with the course of actions he has taken, he has asked for forgiveness, and I grant him that. He is merely a human being who has made a mistake, and almost all sin is forgivable. If God has forgiven everything that I have done, who am I to not grant that to someone else who is in need of forgiveness.
So why do I agree with clerical celibacy?
As Jesus and St. Paul have hinted, or plainly have said, celibacy amongst clergymen and women is to be celebrated. While marriage is a beautiful thing, one has to realize that when a man decides to take the step to lead a church, he is married to that church. If a married man decides to lead a church, to which will he devote his full attention. Hopefully, it would be to his family, but then the church gets neglected. If he devotes most of his attention to the church, then the family will be neglected. If he devotes equal attention to both, then he will not be leading his family nor the church community with his fullest.
I know that most of my readers are not Catholic, and clerical celibacy is probably at least one of those things on their lists of "I Disagree with the Catholic Church about..." Experiencing both sides of the issue, I long felt that clerical celibacy was fine, but shouldn't be made a requirement. But hearing a story from a former Catholic-turned-Protestant-Christian, I have come to change my mind. This was a summary of that story:
An older Cuban gentleman that I know once told me that a friend of his was shot in the middle of the street in Cuba. While this man wanted to fetch a doctor for his friend, his dying friend pleaded that he find a priest for him, instead. So, the man went to the nearest church and knocked on the door until the parish priest answered the door. He told the priest what had happened, but the priest wouldn't budge, annoyed that this man had woken him up in the middle of the night. No matter how hard the man pleaded, the priest did not leave the church. By the time the man returned to see his friend, his friend had passed.
This is an example of a lousy priest. A priest is married to his church for a reason, so that if someone comes knocking in the middle of the night, he is there for them, since there is no family to leave alone. Now, if a priest was allowed to marry, and he took advantage of that, what would happen if someone came knocking on his door in the middle of the night with this plea to anoint someone who is dying? Do they leave their family behind, and possibly defenseless in the face of danger, in order to help their fellow man? Or do they decide to neglect their vow to serve others to make sure their family does not get left defenseless? While this would be the most extreme of cases, extremities must be taken into account when looking at something that is, to this blogger, something of the utmost importance.
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5 comments:
Hmm..interesting topic.
I heard about Padre Alberto. Sad.
But I'm not Catholic. So when it comes to the whole celibacy thing...well...I don't think it should be a requirement.
Yes, celibacy definitely has its pros. No argument there. But I don't know many churches who have only one pastor on staff. If one has family duties to attend, another is available. Furthermore, we are all called to be ministers. Catholics and Protestants have different views on pastors. I'm guessing the dying man wanted the priest to come so he could confess and possibly receive the last rites. Well, in protestant churches (or at least in the Southern Baptist tradition) that doesn't matter. We confess directly to God. We don't need a mediator between us and the Lord. So whether a pastor is there or not...well, may not make a difference. Like I said, we are all called to be ministers. I think I could minister to that dying man as well as a pastor could. Yes, pastors go to seminary and receive more training than the average layperson...but we should all strive to know the Word of God inside and out.
I hope you understand what I'm saying, lol..my thoughts are somewhat scattered. We're getting ready for finals week over here and my brain is tired! lol.
well, i understand that a pastor needs to be married to his church in a way, but i think to take it so literally is completely unrealistic. Sure, the priest in question may have had to think twice if he had a family, but the fact of the matter is that he didnt, and he chose to stay inside while a man was requesting his last rites. Regardless of whether you believe in the concept of last rites or not, if you're married to your church, your duty is to serve your parish. And he did not do that.
I know that the Catholic Church has done a lot to change their old ways, but the fact is that a lot of families (like my dad) have had very bad experiences such as that one, and unfortunately impressions like that stick for a lifetime. While the Catholic Church has done a lot, and (most) of their doctrines are in fact biblical, the actions by many priests in the past have given people a bad impression of the church as a whole. I know they mean well, and not all priests are like that, but actions speak louder than words.
I hope that makes sense lol :)
i think you both make a lot of sense actually... and i actually think that there are more valid points to oppose required celibacy than the point i support
it's just that i feel no matter what, there is always a feeling of neglect every which way if you choose to lead a church and lead a household...which one takes presedence?
Personally, i think Priests should be given the choice to choose celibacy or marriage.
I also don't think its a question of "neglect". Just because you're married doesn't mean your family will suffer because of your church-y duties (many Protestant pastors can attest to that). Yes, it will be difficult at times, but hey, what life/career/calling path isn't? Life is a balancing act. Marriage is a balancing act.
I also believe that the church itself can benefit from a married priest. I don't know about you, but If I need advice on marriage, I don't go to my single friends. Or if I would have a situation with a child, I wouldn't go to a friend who has no children.
To me it seems weird that a couple goes to marriage counseling or pre-marital counseling with someone that has never experienced marriage. It would be like going to a mechanic that only read books on cars yet never got or will get under the hood of one.
A priest, just a like pastor or any type of religious clergyman has the opportunity to provide an example to the rest of the flock, so why not provide an example for a strong, Godly marriage?
Again, another valid point. But I think there are ways around that without lifting the required celibacy. Perhaps a married member or couple of the parish can serve as "marriage ministers." And another one could be "parental ministers" or something of that sort.
For many years (perhaps centuries) the Catholic Church had problems delegating, meaning they wanted all their ministries to be kept under the watchful eyes of priests and deacons. I think the Church, especially starting in the 20th century, have learned to let go, delegate, and allow the laity to head youth groups, retreats, and other things of that nature. Maybe this should be extended to people who need marriage or parental counseling.
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