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New Book On Irish Priests Reveals Struggles With Celibacy, Trips To Gay Clubs
New Book On Irish Priests Reveals Struggles With Celibacy, Trips To Gay Clubs
The Huffington Post | By Antonia Blumberg
When sociologist and former seminarian Dr. John Weafer started looking for studies on the personal lives of Catholic priests there were only a few. Those that did exist only began to approach what the researcher imagined was a much richer and more complex story beneath the surface.
Weafer took matters into his own hands by embarking on an in-depth study on Irish priests, using contacts he had from his seminary days nearly 30 years ago. The resulting book, "Thirty-Three Good Men: Celibacy, Obedience and Identity," explores the personal lives of a range of priests, often going into what Weafer called "graphic detail" about romantic relationships, abuse allegations and daily struggles with clerical life.
--snip--
Fr L went on to discover a "clerical gay scene in Ireland," saying he believed there were "quite a lot of gay guys in the priesthood" and during one visit to a gay bar in Dublin recognized at least nine priests in the venue.
Weafer said he did not believe the church hierarchy would be surprised to read these revelations.
--snip--
The Catholic Church has maintained strict doctrine against gay relationships, in addition to the expected celibacy of priests. Weafer found, however, that many priests struggle with the requirements of celibacy, and few would judge a fellow priest who broke his vow.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/03/ireland-priests-gay-clubs_n_6261188.html?utm_hp_ref=religion
The Huffington Post | By Antonia Blumberg
When sociologist and former seminarian Dr. John Weafer started looking for studies on the personal lives of Catholic priests there were only a few. Those that did exist only began to approach what the researcher imagined was a much richer and more complex story beneath the surface.
Weafer took matters into his own hands by embarking on an in-depth study on Irish priests, using contacts he had from his seminary days nearly 30 years ago. The resulting book, "Thirty-Three Good Men: Celibacy, Obedience and Identity," explores the personal lives of a range of priests, often going into what Weafer called "graphic detail" about romantic relationships, abuse allegations and daily struggles with clerical life.
--snip--
Fr L went on to discover a "clerical gay scene in Ireland," saying he believed there were "quite a lot of gay guys in the priesthood" and during one visit to a gay bar in Dublin recognized at least nine priests in the venue.
Weafer said he did not believe the church hierarchy would be surprised to read these revelations.
--snip--
The Catholic Church has maintained strict doctrine against gay relationships, in addition to the expected celibacy of priests. Weafer found, however, that many priests struggle with the requirements of celibacy, and few would judge a fellow priest who broke his vow.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/03/ireland-priests-gay-clubs_n_6261188.html?utm_hp_ref=religion
