Sex, Celibacy, and Priesthood

BOOK REVIEWS BY CATHOLIC LEADERS

"Bishop Lou Bordisso’s reflections on clerical celibacy push us to think about new options for Catholic priests. He presents a dramatic rethinking of celibacy to serve different human tendencies and not the other way around. Bordisso’s main contribution is twofold: his many years as a sensitive counselor listening to priests’ struggles with celibacy combines with his empirical research to let these men, gay and heterosexual, speak in their own voices. Rather than impose a theory of celibacy, he listens to men trying to explain their own lives."

Eugene C. Bianchi, Professor of Religion Emeritus, Emory University***

“Mandatory celibacy creates a host of problems. This study begins to address them by letting those who live the problems speak for themselves. It is a first step toward shifting the focus from sexuality to duplicity, from hierarchically imposed restrictions to personally embraced commitments. A sobering but useful read for all who want a healthier, holier Catholic community.”

Mary Hunt, Catholic feminist theologian; co-founded the Women's Alliance for Theology Ethics and Ritual (WATER)***

"Whether Protestant or Catholic this book is a must read for anyone seeking to restore transparency and integrity among clergy struggling to live a life of fidelity."

Edwina Gateley, Author, Theologian and International Speaker***

“Anyone who cares about the survival of priestly ministry needs to acknowledge that sexual abstinence is either a sham or a poor witness to the goodness of sexuality. Those sexually active priests who allow the public to believe they refrain from sexuality activity perpetuate the Church’s lack of credibility. Those priests who abstain from all sexually-satisfying experiences also perpetuate the Church’s lack of credibility. When priests are encouraged to explore their sexuality and to express it in responsible ways, their ministry will be honest and trustworthy. I’m grateful that this book helps us face this reality.”

Brian McNaught, Sexuality Educator and Author***

"A fascinating study. Bordisso's research sheds important light upon the celibacy debate—specifically by revealing the very sincere and human struggles of those who shared their stories with him—and with us. Bordisso finds no pat answers or panaceas, but encourages us to think creatively and humanely about an issue of crucial importance to the Roman Catholic Church at this time. It is unthinkable to many that we should shed the light of the Good News of Jesus on the sex lives of priests. But not to Bordisso. Thanks be to God. Read this book not because the author will tell you what to think, but because he insists that you think."

Rev. Dr. John R. Mabry, OHW, Old Catholic Clergy and Author***

"Bordisso's book is controversial; yet it truly deserves a wide readership for it presents us with the real issues in a compassionate and engaging way. I hope this book begins and informs the desperately needed conversation on sex, celibacy and priesthood among all who care about the church. It should be read not only by bishop's, formation directors, spiritual directors, those in pastoral care, and priests; but indeed by all who care about the future of our church."

Donal Godfrey S.J. Chaplain, the University of San Francisco, Author***

This book presents a serious look at the issues surrounding sexuality in the priesthood. It is a matter that has brought great controversy to the Roman Catholic Church and its body of believers. Bordisso examines the empirical evidence surrounding celibacy in the Church in a sensitive but objective manner.

In his analysis, he is led to the question of celibacy and its place in the Church. His book discusses the meaning of celibacy in accordance with Church doctrine and Canonical law. He examines current perspectives on celibacy. With the Catholic Church, having been involved in litigation over the sex abuse scandals, this eye-opening book might serve to assist both the prosecution and the defense. In the midst of the continuing difficulties the Church has faced over this issue, this book is as timely as it is informative for further dialogue by all.

John Francis Maguire, Attorney-at-Law