Celibacy and despair

Christian Century, May 8, 2002

In opposing celibacy, the Protestant reformers were of course highly polemical, and we wouldn't want them to have the only word on the topic. But we couldn't help thinking that Calvin's comments remain theologically and pastorally relevant: "This prohibition [priestly celibacy] clearly shows what a plague all their traditions are.

For it has not only deprived the church of good and fit pastors, but has also brought in a sink of iniquities and cast many souls into the abyss of despair. Surely the forbidding of marriage to priests came about by an impious tyranny not only against God's word but also against all equity" (Institutes 4.12.23).