[Giliad]

Control was the problem, was it not? The priests that have caused the scandal obviously burned with passion and didn't control it. Would have been better for them to marry. I doubt there is a priest out there that doesn't suffer destraction because of the desire to have a mate. They'd probably be better priests with a wife there supporting them.

[mike182d]

Really? Show me a study that links pedophelia to a lack of sex and I'll refute its legitimacy. I was a virgin for 22 years until I met my wife and not once did I ever have such an urge. These men had different issues than celibacy. Should we let them go and molest boys as laity instead of letting them "burn with passion?" I think not.

[tbird5]

"Control was the problem, was it not? The priests that have caused the scandal obviously burned with passion and didn't control it".

These priest were homosexuals. Marriage would not have helped. If we are going to expose sexual scandals then I suggest he start with the public schools. The Catholic Church scandal pales in comparison to the sexuals scandals that happen between teacher and student in public scholl.

[CouncilofTrent]

Now you are changing the question. The question is whether or not priests should be able to marry based on the fact that seminaries are practically empty. My answer is no. Priestly celibacy worked for quite a long time till the late 60's. And on your point of making better priests through marriage, I must disagree. How does a wife make him a better priest? There is a greater risk of sin within the relationship, a possibility of disclosure of confessions, and it takes the man's mind off of God. Now, one may say "Well, its better than all these priests committing sodomy, etc....". This statement's basis would be solely on the opinion that all priests, or at least most of them, are predators. And of course, this assumption is incorrect.