Married Priest

[Kay_Cee]

A married former Episcopalian priest has been ordained in my local diocese.

“I didn’t leave the Episcopal Church because I was mad at them. I wanted to join the church of history.”

Gregory Elder has a wife and two children. His ordination was allowed by an exemption to canon law and approved by John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Full article here: sbsun.com/search/ci_3497813

 

[Guar_Fan]

"I can only say from working with Greg that the priests of the diocese have been very welcoming to him and to his wife,’’ Granillo said. "We need the help.’’

Yes, we do need the help. I imagine it might be awkward for priests who live celibately, but I am glad that Fr. Elder is being warmly recieved.

 

[MonicaC]

Guar Fan:

Yes, we do need the help. I imagine it might be awkward for priests who live celibately, but I am glad that Fr. Elder is being warmly recieved.

I too am very confused by this. I am hoping that someone can shed some more light on this for me.

Thank you,

Monica

 

[estesbob]

MonicaC:

I too am very confused by this. I am hoping that someone can shed some more light on this for me.

Thank you,

Monica

Married Priest are allowed in the Eastern Rite also. Although the Priest has been accpted into the Church he can not be anything other than an assistant Pastor. Please keep in mind that celibacy is a discipline imposed by the Church and can be removed anytme the Pope wants. it is not infallible doctrine fo the Church

 

[geezerbob]

When the Episcopal church split twenty-something years ago over the ordination of women, a local parish was accepted into the Catholic church, buildings, married pastor, and congregation. The priest served as pastor of that parish until his death.

 

[David_Zampino]

geezerbob:

When the Episcopal church split twenty-something years ago over the ordination of women, a local parish was accepted into the Catholic church, buildings, married pastor, and congregation. The priest served as pastor of that parish until his death.

Yes, some former ECUSA clergy HAVE served as Pastors of parishes. Many people don’t realize this, but the “Pastoral Provision” has been extended to about 80 former ECUSA priests over the last 25 years (and also to a very few Lutherans and at least one Methodist).

Blessings,

 

[Hildebrand]

MonicaC:

I too am very confused by this. I am hoping that someone can shed some more light on this for me.

Thank you,

Monica

Ordained priests cannot marry.

Married men can become ordained priests.

If a priest’s wife dies, he cannot re-marry. The same is true for deacons.

For hundreds of years, there has been a discipline in the Latin Rite: ordination to the priesthood is limited to single men. This disciple can and has been lifted for exceptional cases.

Hope I didn’t confuse you even more.

 

[estesbob]

geezerbob:

When the Episcopal church split twenty-something years ago over the ordination of women, a local parish was accepted into the Catholic church, buildings, married pastor, and congregation. The priest served as pastor of that parish until his death.

I learn something new everyday! Thanks for the info

 

[rlg94086]

And at least one Presbyterian…Fr. Slider Steuernol of St Agathas in Portland, OR.

God Bless,

Robert
David Zampino:

Yes, some former ECUSA clergy HAVE served as Pastors of parishes. Many people don’t realize this, but the “Pastoral Provision” has been extended to about 80 former ECUSA priests over the last 25 years (and also to a very few Lutherans and at least one Methodist).

Blessings,

 

[Franze]

Good news.

 

[MonicaC]

Thank you estesbob and Hildebrand for your replies. I was aware that the Eastern Rite could marry. I guess I was confussed as to how the press had announced it. I now understand more fully what this is about.

Thank you again,
Monica

 

[m134e5]

I do not understand why the media must cover priests who marry- seemingly to try and tell the Church they’re wrong on the issue of priestly celibacy. There are countless faithful priests who are celibate, and who are content to be that way.

 

[David_Zampino]

m134e5:

I do not understand why the media must cover priests who marry- seemingly to try and tell the Church they’re wrong on the issue of priestly celibacy. There are countless faithful priests who are celibate, and who are content to be that way.

And, to be very honest, those clergy who have come from other denominations and have been granted dispensations tend to be VERY STRONGLY supportive of clerical celibacy!!!

The “exceptions” seem to be far more conservative than the norm!

Blessings,