Why must priests remain celibate?
Scriptural support for this comes from Matthew 19:12, “For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” The Apostle Paul also promoted celibacy as preferential to marriage in 1 Corinthians 7:1-8 and 7:32-35, “It is good for a man not to marry… I wish that all men were as I am… It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am… An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs — how he can please the Lord… I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” Celibacy, or virginity, then possesses a higher sanctity than marriage. The Catholic Church considered itself the Virgin Bride and, as such, required a virgin priesthood, unlike the hereditary lineage of the Jewish priesthood. The Church began expressing an attitude toward continence (abstinenc
