"Freeing Celibacy" by Donald Cozzens

Donald Cozzens writes from a rather unusual background. Now in his fifth decade as a priest, he was a seminary rector when he started to reflect on the state of the priesthood. In the “Changing Face of the Priesthood”, he deals with the increase number of homosexuals in the seminary. He emphasizes that this, per se, is not a problem. It is a problem if people do not recognize that today’s seminary no longer welcomes straight people and the products of seminaries are coming from a different orientation than those of prior generations.

In the current book, “Freeing Celibacy”, he writes simply, clearly, and convincingly that celibacy is a charism (gift of God) that should not be linked to the gift of priesthood. He reviews the history of married clergy during the first millennium and the fact that Eastern Rite Catholic Clergy may marry. Moreover, the Roman Church has now accepted large number of Protestant Clergy into the Roman church with their wives. In short, there is no requirement that priests be married.

He adds that the requirement is counterproductive. Priests often struggle with the demands to the point that their energy is limited for the priestly ministry. They struggle to the point that their unhappiness seeps into their pastoral work. It does not work.

Speaking for myself, it is of interest that I became ordained with full knowledge of the demands of celibacy. Or, at least, I thought that I was fully informed. It may have been enough in another day, a day with a different set of values. As it was, the 60’s was special and the people who challenged me to reconsider my understanding of birth control, celibacy, etc. were successful! I came to realize that much of what I was taught was in error; much of what was never taught was correct! At some point, it became clear that I would never last. The structures were incompatible with common sense. There was no theology to support the life-style mandated by the Church. Furthermore, the hierarchy did not permit me to live a life-style commensurate with celibacy, e.g., work in the inner city. The bishop said that he was afraid that I would start a revolution. Correct though he may have been, I was left with little room to maneuver (within the structures).

It is doubtful that few would disagree with the clear and simple presentation of Fr. Cozzens. I encourage anyone to read it.