1 Corinthians 7:32

When St. Paul wrote the above words, he was defending celibacy because it promotes undivided commitment to the Lord’s work. Today, many people question celibacy, but not Rabbi Gellman. In the following article, he offers his reason in support of celibacy.

“I support the catholic doctrine of celibacy for priests. Well, “support” may be a bit strong, but I do see a powerful and coherent argument on behalf of celibacy that’s not often appreciated.

I heard this argument stated most compelling back in the ‘60s by the radical priest Father Dan Berrigan. His point was that God wants clergy to take big risks and make big sacrifices for God. If a priest were married, he’d have to weigh those sacrifices against the needs of his family and might choose family. I think this is correct.

When my dear friend Father Tom Hartman was well and we worked closely together, I often had to make family sacrifices to do our work, which was not at all risky but did demand a large sacrifice of time with my wife and children. Tommy never had to make those difficult choices.

Also, celibate clergy are able to make financial sacrifices by accepting very modest salaries because they have no families to support.

The key sacrifice of celibacy is not sex but loneliness. Families not only demand support and love, but also bestow support and love, and this is, to my mind, a key element for a happy life in the service of God. Too many people outside the clergy think of celibacy as a ridiculous demand that encourages pedophilia. I strongly disagree.”

Rabbi Marc Gellman