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Keeping the Vow: The Untold Story of Married Catholic Priests

Online ISBN:
9780190263416
Print ISBN:
9780199860043
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

Keeping the Vow: The Untold Story of Married Catholic Priests

D. Paul Sullins
D. Paul Sullins

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
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Published online:
22 October 2015
Published in print:
1 November 2015
Online ISBN:
9780190263416
Print ISBN:
9780199860043
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

Although many are unaware, the rule of celibacy for Catholic priests is not absolute. Since 1980 over a hundred married men have become Catholic priests via an exception for former Anglican priests known as the Pastoral Provision. Written by a sociologist and married priest himself, this book tells the untold story of these men and their wives based on 115 interviews, survey data, and historical research, bringing the subjects to life through personal anecdotes, quotes, and narrative. The married priests embody many contradictions. Despite the struggles of conversion and restrictions on their ministry, they are happier, more satisfied in their ministry, and less likely to defect than are priests in general. Though perceived to cost much more than a celibate priest, in fact there is little difference. Often thought an answer to the clergy shortage, in fact very few married priests have joined the Catholic religion. Notably conservative, with a high view of authority, they rejected Anglican authority to exemplify a major goal of Catholic liberals. Their wives creatively appropriate very traditional roles. Bishops receive them with both risk and caution. And while embodying by their presence the possibility of change, they strongly affirm the value of clergy celibacy.

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