Connecting the Dots

Many people question the connection between a priest's option to marry and the sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church. Many consider sex to be an outlet for repressed emotions and thoughts. It makes a guy wonder what that level of sexual repression will do to his natural behavior. "There can be no doubt that while it is a gift for some, celibacy is a terrible burden for others, resulting in loneliness, alcohol and drug abuse and improper sexual conduct," even said the U.S. Bishops' National Board Review in 2004. Though the board questions the connection between sexual conduct and celibacy, they admitted the "lack of sound formation in sexuality and celibacy in seminaries appears to have been one of the significant problems underlying sexual abuse of minors after those seminarians became priests " (CatholicNews.com).

When a priest takes on such a life-altering (no pun intended) endeavor, the drastic change may spark irregular behaviors in his subconsciousness that would not otherwise arise. Some people have suggested that priests begin to room with each other in living quarters to maintain healthy relationships with the Catholic community and "ensuring oversight of priests" (CatholicNews.com). This is a great step in the right direction for reducing sex scandals in the church, whether with a confused woman or an innocent child.