Celibacy does not cause paedophilia

Celibacy is not the cause of paedophilia. Both married and single men sexually molest children. On the other hand, celibacy can be the occasion for sexual sin, especially if a man is forced to remain single, though I am not convinced that it a major contributing factor in paedophilia.

We were grieved and angered by the alleged cases of child sexual abuse by Maltese priests. The law demands strict justice, if indeed they are found guilty of such horrible acts. Yet Christian love calls for compassion and comprehension, for many priests are themselves abused by an oppressive system.

Celibacy is forced on the young man aspiring for the priesthood, not by threats or by twisting his arms. It is his will that is twisted by more subtle means. Celibacy was made mandatory for the priesthood by the Catholic Church. Motivated by a sincere desire to serve God and the Church in the ministry, the young Catholic sacrifices his natural feelings because he has no alternative.

Again, after their ordination, many Catholic priests continue to live on their own for the simple reason that they have no choice. Married priests are simply not allowed by the Vatican (except in some instances).

This heartless rule is not the will of Christ. Many apostles, including Peter, were married. Scripture teaches that the bishop/presbyter should be the husband of one wife, and that he should be able to take care of his own family. The Lord Jesus gives the opportunity to his ministers to marry or to remain single, each one according to his own desires.

Influenced by dualistic philosophy, the false idea that celibacy is a higher and holier state than marriage infiltrated the Church during the early centuries of its history. More importantly, celibacy was enforced on all the clergy during the Middle Ages to safeguard the wealth and power of the Roman Church.

Sadly, the leaders of the modern Church continue to insist on this callous medieval regulation. They ignore the Word of God, whom they claim to represent, without any thought for the suffering, solitude and frustration experienced by thousands of men in the priesthood.

We should try to be understanding and compassionate, not only with those priests who are caught in sexuaI sin, but also with the many who strive to remain pure in an unnatural and impossible context.

Is there a courageous Maltese priest who will speak out against this abuse by his Church? Shouldn't we obey God rather than man, since God gives the presbyter the right both to marry and minister to His Church?