Another View On Ordination

To the Editor,

When a local church places notices in its weekly bulletins, there is little, if any, opportunity to voice an opposing view. I would like to take this occasion now, to share such a view.

The notice includes a list of rules and regulations for the Sacrament of Holy Orders (i.e. ordination to the diaconate, priesthood and episcopacy in that church’s tradition). There is no question that any particular church communion can establish its own criteria for the reception of sacraments (seven or fewer), but to speak absolutely about what their founder may have meant in the development of that theology is without a firm foundation (i.e., that it is not, in my opinion, “built on a rock”). The statements, then, can be misleading to the readers.

The points that I wish to address are to the following: “The practice of ordaining only baptized men rests on the decision of Christ to call only men to these orders in the Church.” If this is so, then why is that church ordaining anyone who is not married, not Jewish and not a fisherman or tax collector! After all, the original twelve and most of their “ordinandi” were identified as such. Of course, this response is ludicrous but no more so than the one previously given. Actually, it follows quite logically. During most of the history of the last two thousand years, that church included a married priesthood. Celibacy later became a mandated law, due to problems with nepotism and benefices and had very little to do with attaining a state of holiness. Dioceses and their bishops simply adopted the way of the monasteries where large congregations of celibate men all lived together in common. In no way am I negating the true “spirit of celibacy” as when faithfully and freely lived. Most celibate clergy whom I have known have lived their “promise” (not a vow) totally. I am only disputing the law and the reasons given for its establishment. A married priesthood will be commonplace, before long, in the early part of the 21st century.

Women, too, have been called to ordination. The sacred scriptures, many bible scholars and theologians tell us, although the “inspired word of God,” were steeped in the traditions of a patriarchal society and reflect the same in every book. Woman were given little voice in the family or in the congregation (except, perhaps, for Amen!). There is nothing in Sacred Scripture that disqualifies women for ordination to priesthood.

Thank you for the opportunity to write to a large portion of our town and to voice an opinion. I would caution readers of bulletins anywhere, that the gift of holy discernment (as well as some reliable church History books) will offset the remarks of authoritative leaders, even in a place of worship.

The Rev Leo McIlrath,

Corpus Christi: a catholic community

13 Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook                            February 23, 2000