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Morality and the Clergy....continued
MARRIAGE IS HONOURABLE
Holy Scripture clearly states that 'marriage is honourable
in all' and that must include
ministers and those who are in Holy Orders; and it also adds that 'the bed is
undefiled', indicating that a sexual relationship between a married couple is
not sinful. The apostle Paul in his New Testament letter to Timothy, (a young
minister) gave an Apostolic blessing to the marriage of a Bishop, with the
proviso that he was the husband of one wife, which meant that the marriage
was an exemplary Christian union.
It is obvious too, that a married minister with a family
will more readily understand the problems of his flock, and in some missionary
situations celibacy is viewed as rather odd by the nationals.
Some of the apostles of Jesus were married men, and we would
remind our Catholic friends that St. Peter, who they regard as being the first
Pope was a married man!
There is no biblical precedent for demanding a celibate priesthood, and as a
matter of fact forbidding to marry comes under severe censure. The apostle Paul may or may
not have been married at some time, but even if he was a celibate he strongly
affirmed the right to 'lead about a sister (Christian) a wife as the other
apostles.
Anyone however, whether a man, woman, minister or priest who
believes they can better serve God by remaining celibate has every right to do
so, but it must be a personal decision. Jesus actually commended such - but a compulsory celibacy
flies against Scripture and nature, with sometimes sad results.
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