Mandatory celibacy
To the Editor:
This letter is in response to Jim Piper’s letter that appeared in the April 13 edition of The Review.
First of all, I want to make it clear that I did not select or place the cartoon that appeared above the “In My View” article in the April 8 edition.
Secondly, I believe it’s not important to know who
is right regarding the discipline of mandatory celibacy but what
is right.
In Jim’s letter, referring to my column on mandatory celibacy, he contends I am confusing a church discipline with church dogma. No I am not. I realize mandatory celibacy is a church discipline. However, the discipline does not follow the teaching of Jesus.
The Catholic Church is based upon Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Thus, my question: Why would a church, with Jesus Christ as the savior of mankind as its core belief, force a discipline that is not
in accordance with Christ’s teaching unto men, as a condition of their priesthood?
Once again, I will point out Christ’s words regarding celibacy, appearing in Matthew 19:12: “Let
him who can do it accept this teaching.”
Quoting further from Jim’s letter, “The Roman rite of the Catholic Church has chosen to stay with the discipline of celibate priests, because it follows the example of Jesus himself and over time has proven best for the church and its people.”
Proven best, Jim? How many dedicated priests have we lost due to mandatory celibacy?
By the way, the Roman Catholic Church includes both the Eastern and Western rites. Priests in the Eastern rite, which is united with the Vatican, are allowed to marry. Those in the Western rite are not. Does this make sense?
I’ll repeat, too, that here in the United States we have a few hundred married Catholic priests – former Episcopal priests and Protestant ministers – who have converted to Catholicism. They are fully accepted by the Vatican and apparently are able to handle the dual responsibilities of priesthood and family life. Does this double standard
for Catholic priests make sense?
Yes, Jesus lived a celibate lifestyle, but he made it clear that this lifestyle is not for everyone. Again, refer to the words above from Matthew 19:12.
Jim might argue further that men freely choose this vocation of priesthood. Yes, they do. But they should not have to follow a discipline that is not
in accordance with Christ’s teaching!
Once again the key word is “mandatory.” For those who choose this discipline of celibacy, so be it, as per Christ’s teaching.
Some of the apostles were celibate. Others were not. Take St. Peter, for example, who was married. At one point, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
In addition, Jesus chose Peter, a married man, to establish his church. “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. Matthew 16:18.
I am a lifelong, practicing Catholic. I love my faith, and this is why I am so firmly committed to doing whatever small part I can to promote elimination of a discipline in the church that is definitely wrong – that of “mandatory” celibacy!
Sue Mroz
Random Lake
