Former Episcopalians who have found a traditional refuge in Catholicism, where the priesthood remains closed to women and openly gay clergy, are applauding the Vatican’s plan to help additional dissatisfied conservatives convert.
But while the welcome extends to married priests ”” a narrow loophole in the Catholic Church’s celibacy requirement ”” most of those who have already converted say they want to remain rare exceptions.
“We trust the church’s wisdom regarding the discipline of celibacy,” said the Rev. D. Paul Sullins, who left the Episcopal Church 10 years ago with his wife and recently surveyed his colleagues on this issue. “A man who is married has two somewhat conflicting sets of commitments.
“It’s difficult to balance them, and having a family also makes it difficult to move at short notice to another assignment.”
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RNS: Pope opens door to married Episcopal priests
Former Episcopalians who have found a traditional refuge in Catholicism, where the priesthood remains closed to women and openly gay clergy, are applauding the Vatican’s plan to help additional dissatisfied conservatives convert.
But while the welcome extends to married priests ”” a narrow loophole in the Catholic Church’s celibacy requirement ”” most of those who have already converted say they want to remain rare exceptions.
“We trust the church’s wisdom regarding the discipline of celibacy,” said the Rev. D. Paul Sullins, who left the Episcopal Church 10 years ago with his wife and recently surveyed his colleagues on this issue. “A man who is married has two somewhat conflicting sets of commitments.
“It’s difficult to balance them, and having a family also makes it difficult to move at short notice to another assignment.”
Read it all.