Catholic Diocese Ordains Its First Married Priest
The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino ordained its first married priest Friday.
Gregory P. Elder, a former Episcopal priest and father of two, received special permission authorizing his ordination from Pope John Paul II last spring.
He was allowed to become a Catholic priest under the Pastoral Provision, an exemption to church law that allows former Anglican priests who convert to Catholicism to serve in the Roman Catholic Church, even if married.
Elder was ordained at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino.
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