There is a serious flaw in Larry Simoneaux’s logic in his March 8 column, “Behavior of some priests shouldn’t tarnish all.” In his column he confuses celibacy with deviancy. There is a huge difference that I can’t believe he does not understand. Therefore, if we exclude the 1 percent of priests who molest innocent children or abuse their power by sexually preying on naive adults, we are left only with celibacy.
Celibacy is an honorable state of grace. Moreover, any priest may withdraw from abstinence by leaving his position as a priest. As Catholics, we have deacons who are married or in relationships. To abolish celibacy makes a priest a protestant minister. Celibacy is in the Catholic religion so the priest can concentrate on relationships other than sexual ones. He is allowed time and energy to focus on his parishioners and God, while we weaker mortals engage in more earthly pleasures. In an era where sex is a sport, I respect men who can look to life after death and help me prepare for that time through their many sacrifices.
If we want to change the Catholic church in a positive manner, allow women who will embrace a celebate life to become priests. Then we would become closer to enlightenment.
Patricia Franklin
Snohomish
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