Came across the following in the comments section of an article I was reading this morning. It really makes one think.
I urge everyone to read "Illicit Celibacy and the Deposit of Faith" by Edgar Davie, a Roman Catholic layman and retired father of 7 grown children. It is the best book I've read about the Christian faith, outside of the bible.
Go to http://www.illicitcelibacy.com/ for more details.
According to respected church expert, Richard Sipe, the following statistics are telling:
2% of priests have a true gift of celibacy, & would not marry even if allowed.
8% of priests force themselves to remain celibate, throughout their lives.
40% of priests TRY and FAIL, and have periodic sexual "lapses".
50% of priests are sexually active, homosexually or heterosexually, at all times.
It is time to re-address the practice of mandatory celibacy for the diocesan priesthood. It is not dogma or doctrine, it is only a Practice that CAN be changed tomorrow, if the Vatican wants it changed.
1/3 of the priests in Milwaukee asked for celibacy to be re-addressed at the US bishops conference, six years ago. They were ignored, it is time these priests are heard.
