THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND CELIBACY

The spate of revelations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests, and the equally disturbing reports of cover-ups by the religious authorities (including, possibly, by the Pope himself) reflect incredibly badly on the church. The fact that the revelations extend to Denmark, a country in which nearly all Christians are Lutheran and where the Lutheran church is part of the state, shows just how widespread the rot has been.

Yet in some ways the most surprising aspect of the affair has been the Church hierarchy's obstinate refusal to in any way countenance a possible link between the priests' actions and their obligation to be life-long celibates. Sex is, after all, a basic human urge; and not to have it, ever, is (in a literal sense) unnatural. It takes an incredible dedication and willpower not to succumb.

It was not ever thus. In the first millennium of Christianity, priests were usually married (though monks were not). However, priestly celibacy became one of the papacy's weapons of choice in the mid-11th century in its long battle for supremacy with the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV and his successors. Despite the formal rule, priests and bishops continued to have sexual relationships, though these were nearly always in the form of concubinages rather than marriages. It was only after the Reformation of the 16th century, when the divisions between Catholics and Protestants became sharper, that the rule started to become law.

The Pope has it in his power to change the rule. Indeed, he has already relaxed it; converted Anglican priests, who were already married when they converted, are allowed to remain married. Relaxing it further would in my view do more to boost the standing of the Catholic church than anything else. Yet if there is one thing certain in this world, it is that this Pope will not do that. A pity; and not just for the next generation of altar boys.

Walter Blotscher