I Am Not Sure Yet
Position Paper Topic: Clerical Marriage
Side: Pro
Arianne Christian G. Tapao
Wedding Rings for Catholic Priests “When you go home, regardless of the day you had, you go to your wife and family. I go home to an empty rectory,” said one priest.
For a cleric to marry or not has been subjected to debates long enough, after its being passed as an obligatory discipline, and for the longest time, it has been an issue unresolved, for the reason that: it would largely dictate the essence of being a priest and being a married man, all the same for the Roman Catholic Church. Well, it is about time.
They should accept clerical marriage.
There are plenty of reasons why, but the major aspects of the debate simply revolves around these things: complying with the religious doctrine, the definition of discipline, the tradition wherein everyone is used to, different problems the church faces (i.e. pedophilia, sexual abuse and alleged relationships), and the number of men still willing to accept celibacy in exchange for their vow of priesthood.
To date, St. Peter, the first pope, was married.
In fact, it was written in evidence that St. John was the only proven apostle of Jesus Christ to be a lifelong virgin. Still, most well-read cradle Catholics are surprised to learn that St. Anastasius, pope from 399 to 401, was succeeded by his son, Pope St. Innocent I, and that a century later Pope St. Hormisdas ' son, St. Silverius, also was elected to the papacy. Furthermore, the origins of celibacy as a law for all Roman Catholic Churches has been dated in 1139, and during that time, priests and bishops, added to at least 39 popes, were married.
It has also been a common knowledge to accept clergymen of other Christian religion, like the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Protestant, if they would want to be converted and be priests. That is, even if they are married. The question now is, if these people – some are even written in the Holy Bible – have been married and performed
Side: Pro
Arianne Christian G. Tapao
Wedding Rings for Catholic Priests “When you go home, regardless of the day you had, you go to your wife and family. I go home to an empty rectory,” said one priest.
For a cleric to marry or not has been subjected to debates long enough, after its being passed as an obligatory discipline, and for the longest time, it has been an issue unresolved, for the reason that: it would largely dictate the essence of being a priest and being a married man, all the same for the Roman Catholic Church. Well, it is about time.
They should accept clerical marriage.
There are plenty of reasons why, but the major aspects of the debate simply revolves around these things: complying with the religious doctrine, the definition of discipline, the tradition wherein everyone is used to, different problems the church faces (i.e. pedophilia, sexual abuse and alleged relationships), and the number of men still willing to accept celibacy in exchange for their vow of priesthood.
To date, St. Peter, the first pope, was married.
In fact, it was written in evidence that St. John was the only proven apostle of Jesus Christ to be a lifelong virgin. Still, most well-read cradle Catholics are surprised to learn that St. Anastasius, pope from 399 to 401, was succeeded by his son, Pope St. Innocent I, and that a century later Pope St. Hormisdas ' son, St. Silverius, also was elected to the papacy. Furthermore, the origins of celibacy as a law for all Roman Catholic Churches has been dated in 1139, and during that time, priests and bishops, added to at least 39 popes, were married.
It has also been a common knowledge to accept clergymen of other Christian religion, like the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Protestant, if they would want to be converted and be priests. That is, even if they are married. The question now is, if these people – some are even written in the Holy Bible – have been married and performed
References: Quintana (2013). It’s the Rightful Duty of the Laity to Remind Clergy, if Needed. Retrieved August 1, 2013. http://opinion.inquirer.net/52597/its-the-rightful-duty-of-laity-to-remind-clergy-if-needed Tominsky, J. (2013). Priests should be allowed to marry. Retrieved July 31, 2013. http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/mar/23/priests-should-be-allowed-marry/ What’s the difference between a Pastor and a Priest? Retrieved August 1, 2013. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/blackwhiteandgray/2012/01/what%E2%80%99s-the-difference-between-a-pastor-and-a-priest/ Catholic Answers Forum. Retrieved July 31, 2013. http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=394427 The Age (2005). Church will benefit if priests are able to marry. Retrieved July 31, 2013. http://www.theage.com.au/news/Opinion/Church-will-benefit-if-priests-are-able-to-marry/2005/01/30/1107020254938.html Thurston, H. (1908). Celibacy of the Clergy. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved August 1, 2013 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03481a.htm The Washington Post (2004). Should Roman Catholic Priests Be Allowed to Marry? Retrieved August 1, 2013. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31091-2004Nov6.html Cozzens (2009). Commentary: Celibacy should be rethought. Retrieved July 30, 2013. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/05/15/cozzens.celibacy.discussion/