I am not a Roman Catholic, but I recently found myself discussing the celibacy requirement for Catholic priesthood. More accurately, it was a discussion originating from the dichotomy that Peter, acknowledged to be the first Catholic pope, is portrayed as a married man in the gospels (Luke 4:38-41; Mark 1:30-31). Therein lies the contention, according to certain Protestants, that since popes are priests vowed to a life celibacy, they do not follow the Biblical example of Peter. Therefore, the Catholic Church has veered away from the Scriptures and has choosen to adhere to the precepts of their so-called “Tradition”.
Firstly, it should be noted that vocational celibacy is not an unshakeable dogma, it’s a disciplinary rule, originally formulated in the Middle Ages to prevent nepotism within the church. This rule still applies today for unmarried ordinands in the Latin or Western-Rite Catholic Church but is not mandatory everywhere in the Catholic world. In the Orthodox, Eastern-Rite and Oriental Catholic churches it’s not unknown for priests to be married. The Latin-Rite Church will accept a married man’s application for ordination providing that he was married prior to being called to the priesthood. It will also consider for ordination a married convert to the Catholic faith. Such exceptions and variations demonstrate that what is often perceived to be an “absolute” by non-Catholics is actually less absolute than they think.
The Bible recommends and encourages us to marry and have children—to “be fruitful and multiply”. Catholics are taught that marriage is a sacrament— an action by God on our soul—and it is precisely this holiness that makes a dignified vow of chastity so precious.
Celibacy was chosen and practised by both Jesus and Paul, and also by John the Baptist. Paul even made a case for preferring it to marriage (1 Cor.7:32-34)! Vocational celibacy is not easy road to travel. It is a sacrificial gift chosen by a man of God for the sake of the Kingdom of God (Matt.19:12). It enables him to become a full-time pastor, unfettered by the many duties that are required of a husband and father.
No one is obliged to take a vow of celibacy. Those who do, do so voluntarily and the Catholic synod chooses its candidates for the priesthood from their ranks.
Featured image courtesy of Pixabay
