Living with celibacy

I refer to the leader of July 8.

You rightly compared the priesthood with marriage. As you say, in both instances there are many pains.

It is equally true that in both missions there are individuals who found fulfilment and others (fortunately the minority) who did not.

Whereas in marriage some may enter into the commitment rather unprepared, those joining the priesthood are made aware of their undertaking in no uncertain manner. But whereas the cleric is free to quit the priesthood if his chosen path becomes too tough for him, be it celibacy or otherwise, marriage is forever binding, whether one likes it or not.

In addition, the priesthood bestows on the individual a very privileged status that even kings do not enjoy. It is truly second to none; particularly the hearing of confession. How can one, then, permit clerics to fall out of line with what is expected of them, by both the church authority or teachings and the faithful?

With so many indicators of questionable behaviour by certain clerics, how can one sustain respect towards the priesthood? How can one decide on the appropriate cleric when it comes to seeking a confessor/adviser? How can one sustain the trust of clerics in this time and age when such a variety of abuses are circulating around us?

The Times leader also makes reference to priests "breaching the code if they entertain thoughts or desires..." but isn't that applicable to all the faithful, including you and me?

No doubt, the Church is obliged to tackle the problem, somehow or other, and put its house in order. The options are either to reconsider the priests' obligations in terms of Canon Law, with all the risk that such an action carries with it, or, alternatively, take steps to release the avant-gardists within its fold to seek pastures new (or not so new) elsewhere.