[English Rose]

Although I'm not as versed as some on Catholic doctrine, I have my opinions which I stated on CM a few times, and was essentially pummeled by a few members there that didn't agree:

• Why is it OK for Eastern Rite priests to marry but not Roman Rite priests?
  
• Was not the first pope, St. Peter, (decreed by Christ) and many after him married?
  
• Did Christ ever decree that priests should be celibate? (That was decided over 1000 years after Christ walked the earth.)
  
• Agreed that many priests (and popes) got carried away such as Pope Alexander XI, but that is not the norm.
  
• Would we have had the scandals we've had were priests allowed to marry? I think not.
  
• Would not marriage and child counseling by an experienced priest make more sense?
  
• Would there be the priest shortage we have today if they were allowed to marry?
  

I personally know a number of men that have left the priesthood to get married. One was the priest that married us, he left a few years later to marry his secretary. A real loss to the Church.

I have more to say on this subject, but I think I've said enough for now....

Married priests and their children would of course be more expensive to support.