Sexual Politics & Priesthood
In the latest issue of “Progressive Catholic News” from Call To Action, there was a link to a blog discussing sexual politics.
The writer, a Rev. John Shuster, issued a call to action for VOTF members and all reform-minded Catholics to face reality. He asserted –
– lot of Roman Catholic priests, bishops and cardinals are gay
-They have no interest in changing the celibacy rule since they don’t want to get married to women or deal with that issue
-Priesthood is a refuge for gay men. In their own self-interest they want to maintain the status quo
-Voice of the Faithful and other reform-minded Catholic groups and organizations have been largely ineffectual–nothing much has changed
-Catholic reformers need a change in strategy, tactics and heart if we are to make any difference and really change things. We need to stop being good little Catholics and risk.
I have to say I agree with a lot of what he had to say, including the need to reassure gay men in the priesthood they will continue to be safe, valued and respected members of the parish and faith.
I recall from my Dignity days that some of the priests and ex-seminarians acted like the priesthood was their own little club and no girls allowed.
But on the other side, many gay priests and gay Catholic men were committed to justice for women in the Church. Sometimes they paid the price for speaking out loudly and forcefully for us.
Will gay priests (single men) still be welcomed if married men are permitted in the priesthood?
If married men (or men who intended to marry women) are ordained, where will this leave the issues of women’s ordination?
A lot to think about.
