Sir, - Let us clarify this celibacy debate once and for all. Is the Rev Manning stating (June 22nd) that celibacy is a divine law based on a decree by Jesus Christ in scripture and ipso facto can never be changed?
It is interesting to note that in the Middle Ages it was a matter of debate among the schoolmen (scholastic theologians), whether celibacy was enjoined on the clergy by the law of God or the law of the Church, and was decided in favour of the latter.
Perhaps Rev Manning would be kind enough to furnish us with scriptural proof, if he believes that celibacy is a divine command by Christ. - Yours, etc.,Jackie Robinson PP,
Aghaboe, Clough, Ballacolla, Co Laois.