Are Roman Catholic Priests and Nuns still not allowed to marry?

Answer 1

If you take a vow of chastity then it follows you would not want to marry.

Answer 2

Yes, nuns are obliged to not marry, as are the vast majority of Catholic priests.

I say the "vast majority" of priests because there are Catholic priests in some Rites of the Church who are not obliged to live the discipline of celibacy.

These Rites are typically found in eastern Europe, the Middle East, and certain parts of Africa.

But most priests are of the Latin Rite, which carries an obligation of celibacy.

One more thing -- it's best to NOT look at it as the Church "forbidding" people to marry.

The Church does not forbid anyone to marry. It's true that nuns and priests must live celibacy, but no one is required to become a priest or nun.

Becoming a priest or nun is an option; thus, the celibacy that comes with it is also an option.

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Answer 3

Catholic priests and nuns have voluntarily taken vows of chastity and have chosen not to marry.

The celibate clergy did not come into full bloom until about 1000 A.D. There were many married priests, bishops, and popes before this time.

Priests, religious brothers and religious sisters (nuns) as part of their vocation choose not to marry following:
+ The practice recommended in the Bible
+ The example of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul.

+++ Scripture +++

In Matthew 19:12, Jesus says, "Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it."

In Matthew 19:29, Jesus says, "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."

Matthew 22:30 - Jesus explains, "At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven."

In 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul writes, "It is a good thing for a man not to touch a woman."

Then in 1 Corinthians 7:7, Paul says, "Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am."

In 1 Corinthians 7:27, Paul writes, "Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife."

In 1 Corinthians 7:32-33, Paul teaches, "I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife." And in verse 38, "So then, the one who marries his virgin does well; the one who does not marry her will do better."

Paul recommends celibacy for full time ministers in the Church so that they are able to focus entirely upon God and building up His kingdom. He “who refrains from marriage will do better.”

See also 1 Timothy 5:9-12, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Revevation 14:4, Isaiah 56:3-7, and Jeremiah 16:1-4.

+++ Scriptural Examples +++

Biblical role models of a celibate clergy came from John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul.

John the Baptist and Jesus are both believed to have been celibate for their entire lives. Some scholars believe that the example of the Essenes influenced either or both Jesus and John the Baptist in their celibacy.

WWJD? What would Jesus do? Jesus did not marry.

The Apostle Paul is explicit about his celibacy (see 1 Cor. 7). There is also evidence in the gospel of Matthew for the practice of celibacy among at least some early Christians, in the famous passage about becoming “eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:12).

The concept took many twists and turns over the years and will probably take a few more before Christ returns in glory.

A priest is "married" to the Church. Some people think that a priest who takes his duties seriously cannot take proper care of a wife and family. "A man cannot serve two masters."

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

Nope. The priests thing started in around the 4th Century after the Vatican found that priests were leaving Church artifacts and other wealth to their families and removing it from the Church. So, the powers that be decided that it would be better if priests, if they must, could have families but they would be illegitimate and so would not be entitled to that wealth. Nuns and sisters who live in communities came together and chose that for themselves.

Answer 5

No but, nobody forces them to be a priest or a nun. If they want to get married hey-- don't be a priest or a nun. It is not hard to figure out.

Answer 6

They can marry but they will have to leave the priesthood or the religious life. Celibacy is not a doctrine of the Church. It is a disciplinary rule.

Peace and blessings!

Answer 7

Of course not. Only the laity is allowed to marry. Hence the different vocations.

Answer 8

Technically they consider themselves married to god.

Sheesh == wonder what THAT honeymoon is like.

Answer 9

Nope, they can't marry. I'd bet every monk has beat it off though.

Answer 10

No they are still not allowed.