Priests being allowed to marry?

[BigDL75]

In a discussion with a Catholic expert on theology, I was told that there is a strong movement within the Church for priests to have the option to marry. He even went on to say that “it will happen.” Is there such a movement in the Church? If there is such a movement, when do you think it will be realized? What are your opinions on the subject?

 

[Quebec2005]

There is such a movement. There are good arguments for and against married priests. Since it is only a question of discipline and not of faith, the Church could decide to change the rules, contrary to women priesthood. So I am going to let the Magisterium decide and abide by its judgement. In other words, it will happen when it will happen.

 

[Ghosty]

To be specific, it’s a movement within the Latin Church to allow for married men to become priests, not for priests to marry. The other Catholic Churches already allow for married men to become priests, and generally always have.

There are even some married priests in the Latin Church, but it currently requires special dispensation from the Pope.

Peace and God bless!

 

[mystified]

A priest-friend once commented, “If the Pope changed the rule today, I do not think htere would be a stampede to the altar.”
As a humble layman, I am inclined to agree.

 

[CatholicNick]

My personal opinion is that it should not change…

There are very valid and good reasons for why Celibacy is good for the priesthood, and not matter what poeple say, it will not make the Priesthood ‘more attractive’.

 

[Khoria_Anna]

Priests will never be allowed to break their vows of celibacy and remain active priests (tho they will always have that seal of priesthood).

The doors could open for married men to be ordained in the West, as they have been open in the East. However, in our very sick western culture, the celibate priesthood is viewed as a perversion rather than the glorious self-sacrificing calling it truly is. Until the calling to the celibate life is understood by the culture at large, a married priesthood should remain the exception under very special circumstances that it is and only men who are committed to the discipline of celibacy should be ordained. It could happen. Probably not in my lifetime.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

In a discussion with a Catholic expert on theology, I was told that there is a strong movement within the Church for priests to have the option to marry. He even went on to say that “it will happen.” Is there such a movement in the Church? If there is such a movement, when do you think it will be realized? What are your opinions on the subject?

Sure there are those that want this change to take place, Humans have always had wishful thinking available to them.

Could it happen? Yes. Will it happen, NO.

Before that would ever be considered we would first see Married men being Ordained to the Priesthood as the norm. Much like Married men are Ordained to the Deaconate today and who vow not to re-marry if their wife dies.

 

[jprioli]

Much like Married men are Ordained to the Deaconate today and who vow not to re-marry if their wife dies.

I agree with your post and feel a little like I am taking a “cheap shot” – I don’t mean it that way.

As a married Permanent Deacon, I can tell you that I made no such vow, per se. I do know, however, that Universal Law and the immemorial praxis has forbidden deacons and priests from entering into marriage.

Pax,
Joe