Comments on: Is forced celibacy possible?

By: Anonymouse

Anonymouse — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 07:40:24 +0000

Ok why is no-one even bothering to put a bit of scrutiny on Kevin Lee’s story of his celibate “oppression”?

How about going to ask the other 10,000 priests how they feel?

Kevin Lee was so faithful to his flock that he didn’t even bother to mention it directly to us, but rather went to the media. We feel betrayed by him.

Lastly, in all the time KL was celibate was he attracted to children?

By: Holy moly

Holy moly — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 06:11:52 +0000

There are so many crazy zealots out numbering the comments! Get a clue – you can be entirely dedicated to your life’s work without being celibate. Crazy idiots.

By: jodie

jodie — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:31:30 +0000

It is possible to live a comfortable celibate life. The other more key factor that’s missing in all of these discussions is that living without any form of (appropriate) human touch is not healthy. In fact there is a condition called ‘skin hunger’ where a person may crave simple touch – such as a hug. I postulate that many of those who engage in inappropriate sexual conduct may be misusing and misinterpreting these needs, and expressing them is ways that are very wrong.

By: Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 14:06:37 +0000

Maybe I am way too late to add my 10 cents’ worth but I would just like the right of reply if I may? Wow! Such animosity from people calling themselves Catholic! I suspect the one who claims to know so much about my family is actually a family member who is pretending to be an outraged Catholic teacher. Also others who purport to know me whilst being too cowardly to identify themselves probably dont know me at all. They must have searched for this obscure comment (sorry Rick but I only found this way down on google whilst looking for another article!). But hey, those who claim statistically that pedophiles are less represented in the Catholic church, whose statistics are you using? Who knows how many there are? They are secretly moved & hidden by church authorities not entered in the Government census! I have met far too many in my brief 20 years of ministry and in my own diocese! Sure I had nearly 7 years to prepare but going to Uni to learn to be an accountant has no bearing on what being an accountant is going to actually be like, no less than 7 years in a seminary prepares you for the isolated and often traumatic life of priesthood! Priests are also in the unique position of being given a job for life. No reviews, no scrutiny, no accountability! I would never leave my kids alone with any of the sexually repressed or disturbed men I have shared presbyteries with. You have no idea if you have not lived with them. I did not get caught out being married, I did it deliberately to show how many others are getting away with living with their housekeepers, parish workers, gay lovers, or otherwise and will never get found out becos the church needs men to at least look celibate for the Mass to be available to such large numbers of worshippers who are flocking to your otherwise booming parishes.
Thank you Rick for opening the conversation, but the conclusion will never be adequate until Catholics take their heads out of the sand and see the unrealistic expectation of celibacy is starving the church of normal looking & normal sounding ministers and opening up perfect opportunities for pedophiles and sexual deviates who pretend to be what you expect them to be!

By: warrior

warrior — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:12:51 +0000

Hi!
The Church does not view celibacy as a prerequisite for ministry as all lay people are called to one type of ministry or another. Nor does it view single men as more holy than others. The fact is that God gives the grace of celibacy, and it can only be explained as a grace, to the men he calls to the priesthood. A priest can’t usually serve a wife with his whole heart, as husbands are called to do, when he must be guiding his flock, being called on 24/7 by parishioners. Every vocation God calls us to allow for equal holiness.

By: Faybian

Faybian — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:40:49 +0000

When the catholic church was founded I believe that celibacy wasn’t a requirement, but became one in the middle ages. If a ruling could be made one way, then surely it could be reversed. I agree with you, in that I think a spouse can support a priest.

By: Josiey

Josiey — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:35:03 +0000

Wow i stirred up a storm here! I am not referring to Christ as feminine, but I am using a female pronoun for God. god is neither male pr female, but I choose to use a feminine pronoun at times to balance the predominantly male usage.

loves2bake, you’re right, each vocation is different. i guess my frustration comes from the Catholic Church not allowing women to fulfil their vocation in ordained ministry if they feel led to do so.

anon2, Jesus did not found the Catholic Church. He founded the catholic Church, not one particular denomination. The Church has weathered many storms, you’re right, but the fact remains that fewer people are finding their faith through the anglo/catholic churches. I really believe that if we are to help give the good news we need to find a new way of doing things. Maybe that will eventually include female priests in the Catholic Church? I am not trying to give advice, just my opinion!

Thanks for sharing your views.

By: Anon

Anon — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:28:03 +0000

I also know Kevin and I agree with all you say. I pray for the parish and hope to have the strength one day to pray and forgive him for the many ways he hurt me, my family and the beautiful Catholic Community I once belonged too.

By: Mia

Mia — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:50:21 +0000

You took the words right out of my mouth! I feel exactly same way. I too know him personally. And you’re right he didn’t like being called Father. I refused to call him “Kevin” because I believed that he constantly has to be reminded he is(was) a priest – God’s special worker on Earth thus more is expected from him.

By: guest

guest — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:29:47 +0000

The Catholic church views both marriage and religious life as vocations, equal but distinctly different. A Priest could not fulfil all that is required of a priestly vocation if he was married. Marriage requires a full commitment just as being a priest does. Being a priest is not a job.. not even a full time one, it is a life commitment.