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Patrick Chitumba Senior Reporter
THE Archbishop of Bulawayo Diocese Alex Thomas says the church is not going to change its policy on celibacy, following a petition submitted to the Pope agitating for reforms.The Bulawayo archbishop’s sentiments follow last week’s reports that 26 women claiming to be girlfriends of Catholic priests petitioned Pope Francis demanding an end to the Church’s rule on celibacy for the clergy.
The reports have riled Archbishop Thomas, who said the “clique” was out of order for trying to influence change in the church’s historic tradition.
Archbishop Thomas said the Catholic Church had a rich history spanning over 2,000 years and could not be changed by a few individuals who had failed to stick to the doctrine.
“The church was not founded yesterday. Priests are not allowed to marry and if one isn’t happy, they’re free to leave the church, they are free to join Pentecostal churches,” he said.
He said celibacy was one of the principles that made the church Catholic.
“There’s nothing new about the appeal by the secret lovers of Catholic priests,”
Thomas said: “Yes, it’s a petition. We saw it and a petition is more of a request. There’s nothing that is going to be changed by Pope Francis regarding the matter.”
In the petition, the women requested an audience with Pope Francis.
“We’re all experiencing, have experienced or would like to experience a love affair with a priest, with whom we have fallen in love,” the women wrote.
Although Roman Catholic priests are not allowed to marry, Catholic priests who married before they were approved for ordination are allowed to remain married.
The Catholic Church has over the years faced criticism over child abuse cases especially in European and the United States where young boys were allegedly sexually molested by some priests. The church’s critics blamed the celibacy doctrine.
There have also been reports of priests who have opted out of the ministry after getting married.
Archbishop Thomas’ predecessor, Pius Ncube, left the diocese in disgrace after he was secretly filmed romping with a married woman.
He was called to Rome for re-orientation and redeployed to Hwange.
Catholics trace roots of celibacy to the life of Jesus Christ, who according to the Bible, was an unmarried virgin. In the Bible, Jesus is often likened to a bridegroom whose bride is the church.
Online Reporter