Should Priests Marry?

Pope Francis is considering letting priests marry, according to a report by CNN. As I mentioned in my column Starting the Conversation in Northern Connection magazine, if the subject is on the docket for discussion, perhaps this is the time to discuss.

This topic was also reported by the Herald. When I first read the Pope's stipulation that "older, married men with a long commitment to the church could also be considered"

I immediately though of the beloved, elderly deacon at my own church and thought it would be

awesome if he could continue his religious life and become a priest.

But then I started wondering - If deacons can become priests, can nuns or lay women become deacons? Should nuns become priests?  And then I wondered about other religions who allow their priests and ministers to marry - has it increased vocations?

I have more questions than answers - so as always I would love to know what you think.

You are welcome to leave comments below, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a "Letter to the Editor" at P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson