Celibacy Leaves Clergy to Vulnerability to Temptation?

The issue on celibacy in the priesthood is once again up for discussion and deliberation. The sexual abuse crisis in the Church, whether it is hidden or exposed, has led into many actions and questions regarding to the underlying factors that contributes to clergymen for misbehaving and went out to sexual boundaries. Thus, it leads us to reflect that: What are the underlying factors that allows or pushes the priest to commit romantic relationship or even to the extent to do sexual (sensual) act? Is celibacy making the priests to be vulnerable to temptation? How can Celibacy overcome temptation?

According to Kenneth M. Adams, in his article, Clergy Sex Abuse: A Commentary to Celibacy, there are four main underlying factors that contribute to clergymen for misbehaving and seeking for treatment for a troubled sexuality, namely, 1) Unresolved Family origin issues, covert or overt incest, and other abuse trauma, 2) Disturbances in the ability to bond and form attachments, 3) An arrested Identity development characterized by emotional and sexual immaturity and over-developed role as caretaker, 4) Compulsive, if not addictive, sexuality shrouded in shame. Indeed, these issues may not be far from what every clergyman is undergoing within their priestly life. But these issues may not be applicable to all. These problems only occur when a priest did not become open and honest to the formation that he had undergone. These problems can be eliminated and will not occur if they are fully committed, sincere, both mind and heart, to their priestly vocation.

Many people or even some priests insisted that the Church must do away with the mandatory celibacy for the priests and this would resolve the problem and issue with the sexual abuses and of the issue of some priests transgressing the vow of celibacy. Elimination of mandatory celibacy for priest does not eliminate abuse. Celibacy is not the problem at all, but it is the disposition of the priest of how he takes celibacy seriously, with full responsibility, as part of his promise and oath during his ordination. Celibacy is a gift from God and it does not leave every clergyman to vulnerability to temptation, but instead, it forms them to a specific shape that leads them to live a celibate life.

Overcoming the temptation, given all the challenges and difficulties that is embedded in the life of the priest, still, being celibate is an essential choice for sustaining their vocation. Celibacy may not be an ordinary choice and it needs a careful decision, with a convincing reason, faith, and trust in God. With this, a priest must realize that he must direct and form himself towards the image of Christ. The priest must understand that the gift of celibacy, living with life to the full freedom, is a tool for overcoming the test that entails temptation. It is only through the obedience of faith and that compels him to be open to the truth and will find the meaning of his vocation which he will achieve love, peace, joy, satisfaction, and pleasure.

Finally, Celibacy is not an “option” to be made by priests. But it is a “life” that he must live according to what his chosen vocation demands. Every priest must be ready to repel every temptation not only to solve it but, also, to be familiar with it and to stick in current realities of what is happening in his surroundings and reflect on it. Celibacy is not a sign of loneliness but it is a symbol of communitarian love in which you are able to give yourself to God and to the community. Being celibate is not being alone but being with the people. (Sem. Angelo C. Espinas | Archdiocese of Davao)