An Australian Catholic bishop has called on the church to reconsider its views on celibacy for priests, arguing that reform could combat sexual abuse in the church.
The Auxiliary Bishop for Canberra and Goulburn, Dr Pat Power, also urged the church to lift its "veil of secrecy" which he said allowed abuse to thrive, and to re-examine and re-articulate its teachings on sexuality.
Homosexuals and lesbians had to be recognised as human beings with needs and desires, and the church should also discuss the role of women, involving them in more decision-making, Dr Power said.
"Celibacy is something that needs to be looked at," he said. "One of the things that I have specifically suggested is that those priests who have left the active ministry and marry, that consideration should be given to allowing those men to exercise priestly ministry."
A spokeswoman for the Catholic Church said yesterday that nobody was available to comment on Dr Power's remarks.
However, a senior Sydney priest who asked to remain anonymous said it was unlikely Dr Power would receive any support for his views among priests. "Celibacy is not connected to paedophilia any more than it is connected to homosexuality. - (AFP)