Marrage of Bisops and Priests

[jdcantl]

Why can’t bishops or priests get married when scripture tells us its allowed? 1st Timothy 3:1-7. 3:2 ,A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

 

[rlg94086]

Why can’t bishops or priests get married when scripture tells us its allowed? 1st Timothy 3:1-7. 3:2 ,A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

It is a discipline of the Church, not dogma. Priests in the Eastern Rites are allowed to be married; although I believe they have to marry before becoming priests (I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong). In the Latin Rite, a married minister/priest from outside of the Catholic Church who converts may be allowed to be a priest with special permission from the Church.

I don’t think the Eastern Rites, Roman Rite or the Orthodox Church allow married Bishops. Anyway, just because the Bible **allows **something doesn’t mean the Church can’t do things differently. For example, the Bible allows slavery, but the Church does not believe slavery is acceptable.

 

[Matthew_Baldwin]

Hello All,

I remember an interesting conversation a group of us had with a priest. One boy asked if celibacy was hard and he said it was the hardest thing, but then he went on to say that when there was a discussion about this in Australia amongst the clergy and an Eastern Rite bishop said do not change your practices. He said not only from the viewpoint that they can emulate Christ better and give of them selves entirely but that when administrative decision are made about that priest not just him but his wife and children must be considered so as not to uproot them from their homes.

 

[Church_Militant]

Why can’t bishops or priests get married when scripture tells us its allowed? 1st Timothy 3:1-7. 3:2 ,A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife

, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;Have a look at This Thread because only a very selective reading of the New Testament makes this error.

Note what Our Lord says…and then note what the other apostles say.
Pax tecum,

 

[Liberian]

Matthew,

Hello and welcome to the Catholic Answers Forums! I hope you have a pleasant and uplifting time here.

• Liberian

 

[Matthew_Baldwin]

Dear Liberian,

Thankyou very much.
God Bless

 

[beckyann2597]

Matthew Baldwin:

Hello All,

I remember an interesting conversation a group of us had with a priest. One boy asked if celibacy was hard and he said it was the hardest thing, but then he went on to say that when there was a discussion about this in Australia amongst the clergy and an Eastern Rite bishop said do not change your practices. He said not only from the viewpoint that they can emulate Christ better and give of them selves entirely but that when administrative decision are made about that priest not just him but his wife and children must be considered so as not to uproot them from their homes.

I have heard similar comments to this. I once remember hearing a woman who was a convert to the Catholic Church say that her Father was a preacher and she understood why the Clergy was celibate. Raising a family and being a spiritual director to a community can be very difficult and often the family suffers.

 

[anawim]

Why can’t bishops or priests get married when scripture tells us its allowed? 1st Timothy 3:1-7. 3:2 ,A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

That verse can also mean that no man who is divorced can get married.

Celibacy is in imitation of Christ and Paul. Jesus says that in heaven, that nobody will be married, nor given in marriage (Lk. 20:35). He also said that some are born eunuchs, others are made eunuchs, and others become eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom (Mt. 19:12).

Paul, twice in 1 Cor. 7, encourages those who serve the Lord, to remain celibate, just as he is celibate.

A celibate priesthood points us to our heavenly existance.

 

[jdcantl]

Hello to all annd thank you for your repliies. Sorry I am just know getting back to you folks.The scriptures you point are great and do apply to celibate persons.Althougt 1st Tomothy3:1-7 sets the qualiifications for the office of bishop and 1st Timoyhy 3: 8-13 sets the Qualifications to be a decon. According to the holly scriptures a man must meet these qualificatins to be in the office of bishop or decon. Have a great day
GOD bless you all

 

[bones_IV]

Married priests is a possibility, but there are problems with it.