Support for Changing Celibacy Rule for Priests in the Catholic Church

 I was delighted to learn that Bishop Johan Bonny of Antwerp has decided to ordain married men to the priesthood, beginning in 2028, despite anticipated push-back from the Vatican. This is due to the severe shortage of celibate priests in his diocese. This could be the impetus for change in the outdated rule of mandatory celibacy for priests that was implemented in 1139. Pope Leo can change the mandatory celibacy rule with the simple stroke of a pen. My hope is that he will consider this, since he has demonstrated an openness to reform in the Roman Catholic Church.

Those who know me well are aware that I often describe myself as Judeo-Christian, having both Judaism and Catholicism in my background. I spent twenty years of my life working toward reform in the Catholic Church, including pushing for the ordination of women and married men. I was ordained a married priest by a married archbishop in 2006, which caused international headlines to my surprise. The Vatican ruled my priesthood to be valid, but illicit, which means my ordination was valid, but I was not permitted to function as a diocesan priest because of my married state. I was, however, certified to officiate at weddings, baptisms and funerals, and I fulfilled these functions until I retired from ministry. (I was able to work at a full-time government job while serving in ministry part-time.)
There hasn't been a Vatican council since 1962, when multiple reforms were initiated. It is time for another one, and perhaps Pope Leo will consider rescinding the outdated rule of mandatory celibacy for priests.

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