So clerical celibacy didn’t become the norm until Trent?
Canon II of Session 24 decreed “If any one saith, that it is lawful for Christians to have several wives at the same time, and that this is not prohibited by any divine law; let him be anathema.” Does that mean that prior to Trent polygamy was the norm (or even allowed)?
Just so we’re all on the same page, canon IX of that same session is the one you’re referring to. “If any one saith, that clerics constituted in sacred orders, or Regulars, who have solemnly professed chastity, are able to contract marriage, and that being contracted it is valid, notwithstanding the ecclesiastical law, or vow; and that the contrary is no thing else than to condemn marriage; and, that all who do not feel that they have the gift of chastity, even though they have made a vow thereof, may contract marriage; let him be anathema: seeing that God refuses not that gift to those who ask for it rightly, neither does He suffer us to be tempted above that which we are able.”
Canon 33 of the Council of Elvira states “Bishops, presbyters, deacons, and others with a position in the ministry are to abstain completely from sexual intercourse with their wives and from the procreation of children. If anyone disobeys, he shall be removed from the clerical office.”
Of course Elvira was a crazy council, it prohibited images in churches in case they become objects of veneration or worship (canon 36) and canon 67 “A woman who is baptized or is a catechumen must not associate with hairdressers or men with long hair. If she does this, she is to be denied communion.”
Nevertheless it shows that clerical celibacy was on the table at least as early as AD 306. Yes clerical celibacy is a discipline and not a dogma but it is not a late innovation regarding the abuse of benefices.
Thank you for saying that the Council of Elvira was a crazy council-—so we won’t pay much attention to it or give it much credibility. The Council of Trent in the 1500s was of far greater significance and the fact that the Church was debating policies the Church should follow with respects to married priests is a clear indication that there were still a large number of married priests around in the 1500s or else they wouldn’t have even been discussing the matter. Thank you for saying that clerical celibacy is not a dogma etched in stone and therefore subject to change. The Bible CLEARLY permits married priests and bishops. So does the Orthodox and Catholic churches in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. I’m truly tired of being labeled an apostate, heretic, Protestant, or liberal for bringing up the topic. The Pope has said the policy is open to change. I agree with him. Is anyone suggesting he should be excommunicated?
Crazy?
I'd say it was spot on!