Keeping the Vow: The Untold Story of Married Catholic Priests
Keeping the Vow: The Untold Story of Married Catholic Priests
Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
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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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Front Matter
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Introduction
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1
What Are Married Priests Like?
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2
How Did They Come to Be Married Priests?
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3
Why Are Married Priests Becoming Catholic Now?
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4
Why Did the Married Priests Convert?
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5
What Are Married Priests’ Wives Like?
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6
Why Aren’t There More Married Priests?
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7
Are Married Priests Worse—or Better?
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8
Why Clergy Celibacy?
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Conclusion: The Future of Married Priests
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End Matter
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