A Case for Celibacy

In mid-August 163 priests of the archdiocese of Milwaukee called for optional celibacy. This was considered a fairly “out there” move by priests. It was applauded by liberal Catholics who believe that celibacy requirements are outdated and based on shaky theological tradition. Some also believe that celibacy vows have contributed to the sex abuse scandals. The argument goes that if you repress one major area of a person’s being it will surely express itself in unhealthy, secretive ways. Last month, the National Catholic Register, considered a conservative Catholic publication, offered a different explanation in an editorial titled "Celibacy will save the priesthood."

Editors wrote: "Church history shows how celibacy is the best answer to scandals of divorce, polygamy and other sexual sins of the clergy. And modern practice shows that married priests impose considerable difficulties on themselves, their wives and their ministries. It's time to stop apologizing for celibacy, and start promoting it more vigorously than ever." See the complete article.