[KC_for_Freedom]

But it said the Vatican will ban men who "publicly manifest their homosexuality" or show an "overwhelming attraction" to homosexual culture "even if it is only intellectually."

And this is all that stands between these men and the alter boy? The church must still have a few homosexuals in the decision making levels of the church.

[TrebleRebel]

I really don't get this, how can you be celibate and gay? For that matter, how can you be celibate and heterosexual? What if you were only turned on by bestiality but had never actually given into your urges? Would that be OK? What if you really always wanted to kill someone but had resisted or your biggest urge was to set fire to some great public building but you managed to keep your arsonist tendencies to fantasy only? Would you still be allowed to be a priest then?

[AlaskaErik]

The problem with homosexuals is that they are driven by their sexual urges and the need for sexual gratification. Abstinence is not in their vocabulary. That makes them poor candidates for the priesthood or any position where there is contact with children.

[anniegetyourgun]

ping

[twigs]

Why would a man who is honestly trying to overcome this sin WANT to go into the priesthood where he would be faced with out-of-the-ordinary temptations on a daily basis?

[11th_VA]

So can married men be Priests if they are celibate?

[Leg Olam]

"Candidates who show a homosexual tendency will not be allowed into the priesthood unless they can demonstrate that they have been able to remain chaste for at least three years."

Exactly how does one 'demonstrate' such chastity? Kind of takes all the fun out of being a gay priest.

[wideawake]

This whole discussion is ridiculous.

The word "celibate" does not mean "not having sex", it means "not being married."

Check any dictionary, Reuters.

All this talk of "celibate homosexuals" makes no verbal or logical sense.

[dc-zoo]

Gives new meaning to the term "glory hole".

[Clemenza]

Sounds of joy are now emanating from every Jesuit seminary and house. "Its Raining Men" being the new anthem of the Jebbies it seems.

(My apologies to Father Joe and the rest of the decent Jesuits who have to put up with all this crap from their fellow SJers).

[Zionist Conspirator]

I think the only disqualification from the Catholic priesthood is interpreting the Bible literally (to judge from numerous other Catholic threads at present).

[rattrap]

Two Words:

Cardinal Law

[Artemis Webb]

I'm Roman Catholic and I have no problem with this.

[arkady_renko]

The Vatican will allow gay men into the priesthood if they can show they have been celibate for at least three years

What if it has only been 2 years and 364 days since the candidate had oral or anal sex with another man? Will they let him slide...

Sorry to be so graphic, but this is absurd.

A_R

[sinkspur]

The Vatican is being practical. Short of making subjective judgments about applicants to the priesthood, all the Church can do is hope that a man who has maintained chastity for three years prior to entering a seminary is called to celibacy.

This is the very same requirement the Church makes of heterosexuals who present themselves for admission.

It is simply an impossibility to screen all homosexuals out of the priesthood. And, in many cases, totally unnecessary.

[RexBeach]

I sense the edge of a slippery slope.

Uh-oh.

[sharktrager]

How do you prove you have been celibate for 3 years?

[silverleaf]

oh no. rats.

[silverleaf]

oh no.

[Antoninus]

The Vatican views on gay priests are contained in a secret 16-page document which is expected to be released next month.

Some secret. This story reeks of lavendar manufacture and it cites no authorities within the Vatican at all.

I'll believe it when I see it.