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. The vocations situation is one thing, but it is also important as an issue.

"In 10-15 years’ time it will be a drastic situation [where priest numbers are concerned] and there is no plan B."

Meanwhile Fr D'Arcy has described Dr Daly as a man of "great experience".

"It is still not looked on as a good thing to say if you are in the Vatican set-up, they don't like you saying it," he said.

"It is one of the issues that everyone is talking about and it is delightful that Bishop Daly has made a statement about it now."

It is understood that during his time as a bishop Dr Daly was very strongly in favour of celibacy.

Fr D’Arcy said: "the change of view is obviously after sincere reflection.

"No-one could say Edward Daly was anything but a good church man."

A former trainee priest has however spoken out against comments made by the Bishop. The former trainee priest left his vocation because of celibacy rules. He feels Dr Daly should have spoken out against the ban on marriage years ago.

The 77 year-old former Bishop 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.

(LB/CD)