Views on Celibacy and Marriage Pertaining to Clergy of Diverse Faiths

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meltzerboy

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What are the views or doctrines regarding celibacy and marriage of clergy and religious belonging to diverse faiths? We all know that Roman Catholic priests and nuns are not allowed to be married because priests are married to the Church and nuns to G-d (I believe). Can they have once been married? I think so but want to make sure. What about Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist clergy, as well as others? What are the rules on marriage, and why? In Judaism, rabbis who are not married are looked upon unfavorably (especially among the Orthodox), because of the Biblical injunction to be fruitful and multiply. In fact, any man–even if not a rabbi–is expected to be married and have children, provided this is possible. Any information you might have about other religious practices and doctrines pertaining to this issue is greatly appreciated.
 
meltzerboy said:
What are the views or doctrines regarding celibacy and marriage of clergy and religious belonging to diverse faiths? We all know that Roman Catholic priests and nuns are not allowed to be married because priests are married to the Church and nuns to G-d (I believe). Can they have once been married? I think so but want to make sure. What about Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist clergy, as well as others? What are the rules on marriage, and why? In Judaism, rabbis who are not married are looked upon unfavorably (especially among the Orthodox), because of the Biblical injunction to be fruitful and multiply. In fact, any man–even if not a rabbi–is expected to be married and have children, provided this is possible. Any information you might have about other religious practices and doctrines pertaining to this issue is greatly appreciated.
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Yes, men who were married and now widowed can become priests. Women who are now widows can become nuns. If you saw the movie DOUBT, Mereyl’s character was a widow. Last week on EWTN’s, THE JOURNEY HOME, a convert whose wife died became a priest. There are also third order nuns who are ordinary people who are married and dress in secular clothes but perform certain duties as third order religious. (Check out Third Order Franciscans). Deacons (they’re male) may be married but may not remarry if they become widowers.
The Catholic Church believes all three stations in life are blessed with the grace to perform in some manner pleasing to God. This would be those who are called to religious life, the married life, and the single life. Some married people cannot have children. This does not void their marriages. Maybe they’ll have to wait many years before they are blessed or maybe God is directing them to adopt.
 
meltzerboy said:
What are the views or doctrines regarding celibacy and marriage of clergy and religious belonging to diverse faiths? We all know that Roman Catholic priests and nuns are not allowed to be married because priests are married to the Church and nuns to G-d (I believe). Can they have once been married? I think so but want to make sure. What about Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist clergy, as well as others? What are the rules on marriage, and why? In Judaism, rabbis who are not married are looked upon unfavorably (especially among the Orthodox), because of the Biblical injunction to be fruitful and multiply. In fact, any man–even if not a rabbi–is expected to be married and have children, provided this is possible. Any information you might have about other religious practices and doctrines pertaining to this issue is greatly appreciated.
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In the Holy Orthodox Catholic church celibacy is an option. Celibates are highly regarded.
 
meltzerboy said:
What are the views or doctrines regarding celibacy and marriage of clergy and religious belonging to diverse faiths? We all know that Roman Catholic priests and nuns are not allowed to be married because priests are married to the Church and nuns to G-d (I believe). Can they have once been married? I think so but want to make sure. What about Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist clergy, as well as others? What are the rules on marriage, and why? In Judaism, rabbis who are not married are looked upon unfavorably (especially among the Orthodox), because of the Biblical injunction to be fruitful and multiply. In fact, any man–even if not a rabbi–is expected to be married and have children, provided this is possible. Any information you might have about other religious practices and doctrines pertaining to this issue is greatly appreciated.
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It is not up to Catholics to comment on the marriage of clergy in other Faiths.

The reason for Catholic Priest not to marry is stated in the “**Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition” **-
CCC - “1579 All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.”
Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to “the affairs of the Lord,” they give themselves entirely to God and to men.
Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church’s minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God.”

It is erroneous to claim that celebacy is non-biblical.
Matthew: 19:12 - some who renounce marriage for the sake of Heaven.
1 Corinthians 7:8
1 Corinthians 7:27-34, 38.
 
With regard to Islam, clergy are likely to be married.

Marriage is encouraged for Rabbis in Judaism.

Buddhism has a tradition of celibacy of monks, though for some this seems to be a kind of transitional celibacy and monastic affiliation, where some monks go on to leave monasticism and marry. The Dalai Lama, for example, is celibate. Interestingly, and off-topic, when he comes to San Francisco, he has stayed at the Jesuit house, or at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park.

I don’t know about Hinduism, but given some Indian sacred art, I would doubt that they are celibate.

I don’t know about Zoroastrians, but given their declining numbers, they had better be procreating!

Of course among Protestant Christians, married clergy is the norm, and the expectation. Among the Eastern Orthodox, there are married priests, but bishops come from the ranks of the celibate monastics.
 
As has been indicated already, Protestants as a whole have a preference for a married pastor. Not absolutely required, of course, but they like to have a family to model family life to the congregation.
Code: 
There also is a feeling that a married clergyman (1) has a better understanding of marital and family problems; (2) is likely to be happier with a good partner; and (3) is less likely to become involved in scandal, especially sexual scandal.

 Many congregations prefer a wife who is active in the church by teaching Sunday School, providing leadership in other areas of church life, and being an 'unpaid' additional employee. Often wives of ministers are expected to meet with 'search committees' so that they can be assessed as part of the 'package'.  

 With the large number of women clergy, plus a growing number of divorced clergy, some of these traditions are being challenged. The impact of such factors should provide material for solid research and a good book or two. 

 Protestants quote scripture to support the marriage of clergy. Peter, for example, was a married man. The Bible also indicated that a bishop (overseer) should have only one wife, which certainly allows for marriage.
 
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is different from other denominations in that they do not ordain homosexuals and also the wife of the LC-MS pastor must also be LC-MS. Our associate pastor could not his third year of seminary until his wife converted to the LC-MS.
 
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