optional celibacy
Let the synodal consultations continue
By Thomas Reese — January 8, 2024
(RNS) — Diocesan consultations for the October 2024 session of the synod must be completed by April 8.
Synod on Synodality report is disappointing but not surprising
By Thomas Reese — October 30, 2023
(RNS) — For Francis it was never about the hot-button topics.
What the US bishops can learn from the Amazon synod
By Thomas Reese — October 31, 2019
(RNS) — The American Catholic hierarchy isn't ready to follow the synod's search for real-world solutions. Too many conservatives believe that if we simply return to the old ways of doing things, everything will be fine.
Bishops vote for married priests, call developed world to repent for harming Amazon
By Thomas Reese — October 26, 2019
(RNS) — The bishops, under the leadership of Pope Francis, have once again found their prophetic voice, at least in the Amazon.
Decision time begins for Amazon bishops as synod enters final week
By Thomas Reese — October 19, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The synod's final recommendations to the pope could have profound impact not only on the Amazon but the entire church.
Synod appears to be moving toward ordination for married men in Amazon
By Thomas Reese — October 15, 2019
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — One participant reported that only a couple of the 185 assembled bishops spoke against the idea during the first week of the synod.
Synod of bishops to discuss ordaining married men
By Thomas Reese — June 19, 2019
(RNS) — Limiting ordination after marriage to 'mature men' will be portrayed as exceptional, but both traditionalists and progressives believe that it will spread to more and more situations.
Abolishing the priesthood will not save the Catholic Church
By Thomas Reese — May 21, 2019
(RNS) — In The Atlantic, James Carroll asserts that abolishing the priesthood in the Catholic Church is the only way to defeat the clericalism he blames for the sex abuse crisis. But as in other revolutions, a new cadre would simply replace the old guard.
Pope downplays expectations for sexual abuse meeting in Rome
By Thomas Reese — January 30, 2019
(RNS) — The meeting could be a disappointment for Americans who have been dealing with abuse for decades while still being a success for the universal church.
Pope to gay priests: Be celibate or get out
By Thomas Reese — December 6, 2018
(RNS) — Consistent with his earlier writings about the priesthood, Francis' latest pronouncement is more about celibacy than homosexuality.
Why celibate LGBTQ Christians stir controversy on right and left alike
By Katelyn Beaty — August 16, 2018
(RNS) — Where many conservative Christian leaders denounce LGBT identity, many are unwilling to do the relational work of walking alongside same-sex-attracted Christians as they attempt a very difficult thing: lifelong celibacy.
The Catholic Church needs a way to deal with bad bishops
By Thomas Reese — July 26, 2018
(RNS) — Cardinal Sean O’Malley acknowledged this week that the church needs clearer norms and procedures for investigating and judging bishops. But O’Malley’s statement only raises further questions.
Priests, celibacy and sex
By Thomas Reese — July 16, 2018
(RNS) — Sex between a Catholic priest and adult can be more than simply a violation of celibacy. It can also be a violation of professional ethics. The church needs to learn from the “#MeToo” movement about the danger of sex between adults who are not equal in power.
Abandoning celibacy won’t stop sexual abuse by priests
By Thomas Reese — December 19, 2017
(RNS) — We know for a fact that noncelibate men, including married men, also abuse children.
Pope Francis: ‘I too know moments of emptiness’
By Josephine McKenna — March 9, 2017
VATICAN CITY (RNS) 'One cannot grow without crises: in human life, the same thing happens,' the pope said.
Page 1 of 2
