Austrian bishop calls for end to priestly celibacy, consideration of ordination for women

CWN - May 12, 2010

A controversial Austrian bishop has called for an end to the discipline of priestly celibacy and for reconsideration of ordination for women.

In an interview with Die Presse, Bishop Paul Iby of Eisenstadt said that the choice of celibacy or marriage "should be at the discretion of every priest." He said that the question of ordination for women is not now open, but "it must be thought about" in the future.

Bishop Iby, who is 75 years old, has already submitted his resignation to the Vatican.

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Show 3 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: TheJournalist64 - May. 12, 2010 7:08 PM ET USA

    So fire off your squibs at your resignation, old guard liberals. We salute your disappearance, and praise God for the Holy Spirit guiding the Church.

  • Posted by: adamah - May. 12, 2010 6:30 PM ET USA

    May the Pope accept his resignation very soon and tell him to keep his trap shut.

  • Posted by: cloudchaser64 - May. 12, 2010 6:23 PM ET USA

    If it weren't for the witness of the Eastern and Anglican Churches, I would probably vote with the good bishop. However, there are very normal men in those communions that can adequately care for their flock, raise their children, and not be too concerned about being a bishop. I strongly disagree with the relation of women's ordination to this. They are two separate issues, and should be dealt with as such.

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