God can and does work in the hearts and minds of rulers and officials of government to accomplish His sovereign purpose. Their hearts and minds are as much under His control as the impersonal physical laws of nature. Yet their every decision is made freely – most often without any thought or regard to the will of God.
Jerry Bridges

Married Priests

Married Priests

MARRIED PRIESTS

There are thousands of validly married Roman Catholic priests, members of the Eastern Rite (not Eastern Orthodox) churches that do not have a vow of celibacy. Melkite Rite Roman Catholic priests are allowed to marry, but not while exercising priestly ministry in the West. In spite of this, 3 married Melkite Rite priests are serving in the U.S. The Vatican censured them, but has taken no action against them. All Latin Rite (which is the norm for American Catholicism) priests must be unmarried.

POST VATICAN II In December, 1977, a Guatamalan Roman Catholic priest, Salvador Valenzuela, was married to Maria Lopez by a Roman Catholic priest, Carlos Palencia. Within 3 days, Valenzula was ex-communicated, told that his marriage was invalid and that he was no longer a priest.

It is reported there is a strong feeling among Polish Roman Catholics for an end to the law of celibacy. Some had thought that the Polish Pope might initiate this, but the first years of his reign have shown very conservative leanings, so such a change during the pontificate of John Paul II seems unlikely.

SECULAR JOURNALS From THE DAY, New London, Ct, 10/28/90. “A worldwide gathering of bishops, affirming celibacy in the prieshthood, urged Pope John Paul II to make it clear that the controversial rule won’t be changed. The pope was quick to take up the invitation. He told the bishops that although there is a shortage of priests in some parts of the world, ordaining married men is not the solution.”