Menu
13/09/2011
Nuptials For Priests?
A former Bishop has urged the Catholic Church to find a place in the modern church for a married priesthood.
Retired Bishop of Derry Edward Daly has claimed that allowing priests to marry would ease the tensions facing the Catholic Church.
"The ancient clerical vow of celibacy has forced many good men to decide against joining the priesthood," he said.
The 77 year-old has addressed this issue in his book called Troubled See. The former bishop worked in Derry at the height of The Troubles. An image of the then priest waving a white handkerchief on Bloody Sunday has become a long lasting image of The Troubles.
Speaking to BBC Dr Daly said: "There will always be a place in the church for a celibate priesthood, but there should also be a place for a married priesthood in the church."
"I think priests should have the freedom to marry if they wish. It may create a whole new set of problems but I think it's something that should be considered," he added.
Dr Daly said he found it "heartbreaking" during his term as Bishop when priests, or prospective priests, were forced to resign or unable to join the priesthood because of the celibacy rule.
"I'm worried about the decreasing number of priests and the number of older priests. I think it's an issue that needs to be addressed and addressed urgently," he said.
A spokesman for the Catholic Church said that Dr Daly was speaking only from personal capacity and refused to make any further comment.
The Backround
Catholic priests have been unable to marry since the Gregorian Reforms in the 11th century made celibacy compulsory.
Historians believe the move was partly for spiritual reasons, but was mainly to ensure that estates held by clerics would pass back to the church upon their deaths rather than to any potential offspring.
However in recent years Pope Benedict XVI has made allowances for married Anglican ministers to transfer to the Catholic Church after a number made the move in protest at controversial Anglican issues including the ordination of women priests and acceptance of ministers in same-sex relationships.
(LB/GK)
Retired Bishop of Derry Edward Daly has claimed that allowing priests to marry would ease the tensions facing the Catholic Church.
"The ancient clerical vow of celibacy has forced many good men to decide against joining the priesthood," he said.
The 77 year-old has addressed this issue in his book called Troubled See. The former bishop worked in Derry at the height of The Troubles. An image of the then priest waving a white handkerchief on Bloody Sunday has become a long lasting image of The Troubles.
Speaking to BBC Dr Daly said: "There will always be a place in the church for a celibate priesthood, but there should also be a place for a married priesthood in the church."
"I think priests should have the freedom to marry if they wish. It may create a whole new set of problems but I think it's something that should be considered," he added.
Dr Daly said he found it "heartbreaking" during his term as Bishop when priests, or prospective priests, were forced to resign or unable to join the priesthood because of the celibacy rule.
"I'm worried about the decreasing number of priests and the number of older priests. I think it's an issue that needs to be addressed and addressed urgently," he said.
A spokesman for the Catholic Church said that Dr Daly was speaking only from personal capacity and refused to make any further comment.
The Backround
Catholic priests have been unable to marry since the Gregorian Reforms in the 11th century made celibacy compulsory.
Historians believe the move was partly for spiritual reasons, but was mainly to ensure that estates held by clerics would pass back to the church upon their deaths rather than to any potential offspring.
However in recent years Pope Benedict XVI has made allowances for married Anglican ministers to transfer to the Catholic Church after a number made the move in protest at controversial Anglican issues including the ordination of women priests and acceptance of ministers in same-sex relationships.
(LB/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 May 2012
'Catholic Priests Will Be Dismayed At New Allegations' - McGuinness
Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuiness has stated Catholic priests will be "dismayed" at new allegations regarding Cardinal Sean Brady in a Church investigation into child abuse carried out by Fr. Brendan Smith.
'Catholic Priests Will Be Dismayed At New Allegations' - McGuinness
Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuiness has stated Catholic priests will be "dismayed" at new allegations regarding Cardinal Sean Brady in a Church investigation into child abuse carried out by Fr. Brendan Smith.
12 April 2012
Survey Reveals Disconnect Between Catholics And Church Teaching
A new survey has revealed that the majority of Irish Catholics think the Churches teachings on sexuality are irrelevant, and that they would favour married and female priests. 1,000 catholics were surveyed over a two-week period in February revealing that there was a disconnect between official church teaching and what catholics actually believe.
Survey Reveals Disconnect Between Catholics And Church Teaching
A new survey has revealed that the majority of Irish Catholics think the Churches teachings on sexuality are irrelevant, and that they would favour married and female priests. 1,000 catholics were surveyed over a two-week period in February revealing that there was a disconnect between official church teaching and what catholics actually believe.
14 September 2011
Call To End Clerical Celibacy Gains Support
Former Bishop of Derry, Edward Daly, has received a wealth of support after calling for the Catholic Church to end clerical celibacy. The Association of Catholic Priests has welcomed the news along with well-known priest Father Brian D’Arcy. The association’s founder member Father Brendan Hoban said: "It is one part of our platform.
Call To End Clerical Celibacy Gains Support
Former Bishop of Derry, Edward Daly, has received a wealth of support after calling for the Catholic Church to end clerical celibacy. The Association of Catholic Priests has welcomed the news along with well-known priest Father Brian D’Arcy. The association’s founder member Father Brendan Hoban said: "It is one part of our platform.
12 May 2014
Catholic Church Child Safety Watchdog Publish Latest Report
The latest report by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC), reviewing four diocese and five church entities, has been published. The reviews look at how complaints to the church were dealt with, and to date a total of 26 Dioceses and 11 Religious Congregations/Missionary Societies have undergone review.
Catholic Church Child Safety Watchdog Publish Latest Report
The latest report by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC), reviewing four diocese and five church entities, has been published. The reviews look at how complaints to the church were dealt with, and to date a total of 26 Dioceses and 11 Religious Congregations/Missionary Societies have undergone review.
30 April 2012
Protest Held Over Vatican Censoring Of Priests
The office of the Pope's envoy to Ireland has been protested by a group of Catholic nuns, priests and lay people wearing gags, in opposition at the Vatican's silencing of several dissident priests.
Protest Held Over Vatican Censoring Of Priests
The office of the Pope's envoy to Ireland has been protested by a group of Catholic nuns, priests and lay people wearing gags, in opposition at the Vatican's silencing of several dissident priests.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Very windy with persistent and occasionally heavy rain at first, becoming drier with the wind easing towards midday. Mainly dry with bright spells increasing during the afternoon. Milder than of late. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with clear spells, mainly dry evening becoming windy with rain at times from late evening. Turning drier with clear spells towards morning. Milder than of late. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
