1/1
Swipe or click to see more
ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018 file photo, Pope Francis prays for the victims of the Kerala floods during the Angelus noon prayer in St.Peter’s Square, at the Vatican. Pope Francis has issued a letter to Catholics around the world condemning the “crime” of priestly sexual abuse and cover-up and demanding accountability, in response to new revelations in the United States of decades of misconduct by the Catholic Church.
Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
There is a powerful sexual urge in all living creatures to reproduce and continue the survival of their species. The Catholic Church did not understand this in the 12th century at the Second Lateran Council, held in 1139, when it declared that priests must be celibate. Some of the disciples of Jesus were married and produced children.
Often victims of sexual abuse become abusers themselves. The Catholic Church might be seen as a safe haven to perpetuate that kind of violence.
It is way past time for the Catholic Church to cancel the ridiculous requirement of celibacy for its priests and other officials.
Ronald W. Dickson
Pearl City