Married Priests Push for Change in Policy
“We are still priests and we are still called to minister,” said Ed Minderlein, 55, one of 200 men from 15 countries attending a meeting of the International Federation of Married Catholic Priests.
Federation members challenge the church’s celibacy rule, imposed in the 12th century. Despite regular rebukes from the Vatican and Pope John Paul II, they plan to continue their campaign in the hope that the next pope will consider changing the rule.
Under Catholic canon law, one who is ordained remains a priest for life. But a priest who marries generally forfeits his good standing in the eyes of the church.
Married priests are still allowed to perform some sacraments--last rites, baptism, confirmation and confession--but only when no other priest is available. They also can perform marriages that are legal but not recognized by the church. Facing a shortage of priests, some bishops have resorted to their services on occasion.
The Catholic Church allows married priests in Eastern Rite countries. In the West, it has accepted married priests who convert from the Episcopal Church and in other special cases.
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