www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Why Not Married Priests? The Case for Clerical Celibacy

Here's one for the "so bad it's almost funny" department:

Dear Friends,

Our former Vladyka of blessed memory, Kyr Isidore Borecky, used to say he preferred married priests because he never had any problems with them for "they had their own patriarch and bishop living right at home with them to keep them in line . . ."

Alex

I don't think the Roman Catholics should condemn the practice of a married priesthood just because they don't know how to integrate the entire family into the priest's work. The Orthodox know how to effect this integration and it works well. The presence of a �presbytera� might even solve the Roman demand for female priests. If women had the chance to be connected to the priesthood in a meaningful way, viz., the wife of a priest, they might quit wanting to break Holy Tradition and be ordained. However, the West, well, it's too wrapped up in defending its "development" of non-apostolic traditions to even consider trying this.

Adam

Did not the Lord say that for some the ...'eunuchs for the kingdom of God' passage points to the fact this is a gift (I think...spiritual gift) that is NOT given to all. AND, there is even a passage by St Paul that says in the 'latter' days...'they will even forbid to marry'. Are these not the latter days, and do 'they' not truly forbid...UN-scripturally...to marry. Was not St Peter married, and St Paul not...? What is this innovation even argued about anyway, since it IS an innovation introduced into the West by those who ever seek to gain power and absolute control, even against Tradition. Extended to its logical conclusion, seeking to eventually over-turn/re-define Tradition/tradition to its own ends, and against any Ecumenical council. Just some thoughts, Mik

Mike Ross,

You must be confused - the Latin Church doesn't forbid marriage, it restricts Holy Orders on the married. The two are completely different things.