When male Protestant clergy convert to Roman Catholicism and then wish to enter the RC priesthood, what precisely is the status of the spouse? Do they continue cohabitation as spouses (after all, the woman may not have converted to the RC faith, and it doesn't seem proper to set aside **her** marital vows), or must they live together (if at all) in a "brother-and-sister" relation? Or is a civil divorce (with no remarriage) permitted?
My husband and I were discussing what the Church was going to do in future years, with the demographic shifts and changes in faiths, and this topic came up---Google search was not very productive. Anyone familiar with canon law/currant decisions out there, or willing to make a reasonable interpretation/guess, or render an opinion? Rational, polite inputs from all perspectives welcomed!
2006-09-28 14:02:08 · 7 answers · asked by samiracat 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
UUUhhh, whoa! We're happy **Pagans** (ex-Lutheran and ex-RCC), over here---just curious, since there is such a clergy shortage and Rome doesn't seem in any hurry to recognize the possibility that women may be called to the priesthood. But happy for info, and will take any links, etc. for data (on an informational basis, NOT because my dearone looks great in black!).
2006-09-28 14:20:36 · update #1
My mother talked to her priest on this very subject many times. If they convert, they are allowed to keep their wives and do the married thing but if she dies or they divorce or separate, they are no longer allowed to remarry or co-habitate again. Hope this helps.
2006-09-28 14:07:26 · answer #1 · answered by ramall1to 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe the man would be allowed to study for the priesthood until his wife passed away, but he could certainly be a deacon. All the deacons at the Catholic church I went to as a child were married.
2006-09-28 21:06:45 · answer #2 · answered by Smiley 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are no Roman Catholic priests married to women; only to God. Other Orthodox Catholic faiths do permit marriage of priests.
For a great example of a convert to RC, see Scott Hahn (scotthahn.com).
2006-09-28 21:09:43 · answer #3 · answered by ManOfPhysics 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A married convert can not become a priest in the Catholic Church, just like a married person raised Catholic.
2006-09-28 21:05:22 · answer #4 · answered by enaronia 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i wouldn't reiterate what the two other knowledgeable posters said -- however - since there are more incorrect than correct posts -- GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR DECISION!!! You can and will remain happily married and yes can convert to the Rcc!! About 8 years ago there were 180 married with families Catholic priests.
please go talk to someone within your archdiocese and God go with you!!!
2006-09-28 21:15:53 · answer #5 · answered by Marysia 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hmm, interesting question. I can't say that I know the answer, but I'm interested to find out what comes of it. I would assume that married individuals aren't able to be considered for the priesthood, but that is just my speculation.
2006-09-28 21:05:25 · answer #6 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you enter and are called to the priesthood married you remain married. There are married priests.
http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/MARPRIE.htm
2006-09-28 21:05:28 · answer #7 · answered by Debra M. Wishing Peace To All 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋