The priest IS married, to the Church, just like Jesus Christ. Christ is the groom, the Church is bride. That’s why the priest isn’t married to a woman, he already has a spouse!
So would you say that Eastern Catholics and Anglican Use priests are bigamists?
The Ortodoxs will allow a married man to become an ordained priest but will not allow an ordained priest to marry.
True but that doesn’t answer Elizium’s question. Fr. Jones mentioned the Church=spouse therefore no more wife. However, Elizium’s question is fair because it did not address bishops. Fr. Jones’ response was specific to priests and yes, Eastern Catholic and some Latin priests such as those ordained under the Pastoral Provision and Anglican Ordinariates are indeed married, in confirmity with ancient tradition. Yet none of us would say that they are bigamists.The Ortodoxs will allow a married man to become an ordained priest but will not allow an ordained priest to marry.
AND they will only allow unmarried priests to become Bishops.
Consider that
Peace
Priests can marry. The only reason that some (not all) Latin Rite priests are not married is a matter of discipline, and so can be changed. There are many good reasons, both theological and practical, for priests not to marry, and likewise there are some good reasons for priests to be married. However, I don’t think making the vocation to the priesthood more attractive is one of them. The lack of vocations in our society isn’t a marriage issue, it’s a faith issue.
My very much Catholic pastor is very much married. His wife and children sat behind me today at liturgy. He was married before ordination.
).The reason Latin rite priests and bishops are celibate is because Jesus Christ was celibate. He came not to be an earthly father, but to give himself completely to his bride, the Church. It really is just that simple.
Aside from the time factor, think about the cost factor. Very many parishes have trouble maintaining buildings and supporting celibate priests. How on earth could those parishes support a wife and children, including the cost of housing the family and educating the children? For starters, they would need to be two-car families. Most people I hear advocating for married priests think long and hard about contributing a penny to parish funds. The chance of them doubling or even trebling their own contribution is zilch, never mind making up the shortfall for parishioners who can’t afford to contribute.Well, think about this: If a priest was married, he would be so worried about his wife and children that he would barely have any time to focus on his parish duties. If you enforce celibacy, the priest can dedicate his entire life to Christ, not only part of it.
That is a good reason, too.
I went to an Orthodox church for awhile, and the Orthodox priests lived in nice houses. This is because their wives had good salaries. Plus, the priest worked as a paramedic during the week. But I guess this doesn’t work for Latin priests, since Latin priests have day-to-day parish duties, unlike Orthodox priests. Doesn’t work that way in practice.Well, think about this: If a priest was married, he would be so worried about his wife and children that he would barely have any time to focus on his parish duties. If you enforce celibacy, the priest can dedicate his entire life to Christ, not only part of it.