Yet another interesting turn of events for the Catholic Church. Father Alberto Cutie (really?), has decided to test the traditions of the church by publicly displaying his affection for a woman. Now, as a person that has been raised Catholic and is now Agnostic, this is a rather refreshing turn of events. I am not saying that I'm all for the demolition of established religion... we all need to have faith in something, instead, I think it's time society really open their eyes, and allow this event to serve as a catalyst to question establishment. A question I've always had regarding religions is: how can you condemn someone or forbid them from doing something that is human nature? Why establish such laws or decrees forbidding marriages for clergy? From Pope Siricius' actions in leaving his wife to become pope, to the Council of Trent decreeing that celibacy and virginity are superior to marriage, the Catholic Church has systematically removed the freedom to marry and still be a clergy of the church. But it hasn't always been this way. It was obvious that from the beginning there was to be no such limitation for the clergy, as was evident with Peter, the first Pope. Peter and the majority of Jesus' apostles were married. After this, the Age of Gnosticism stated that possessions and darkness was evil, and that light and spirituality were good. You could not do something mortal (such as marry), and hope to be perfect. Despite this, most priests were still married. Through many centuries of hidden abortions and infanticide to disguise priests' shortcomings, it started to become apparent that this was the way in which the Catholic Church was headed. Papal decrees in the 12th century stating that clerical marriages were invalid and the Council of Trent in the 16th century, stating that celibacy and marriage were superior to marriage, closed the case on clerical marriage.
But is this really how things are at their best? Reports of child molestation have been at their highest ever, and this situation puts things in perspective. Can the Catholic Church dodge this bullet in the eye of public scrutiny, or will it simply be swept under the carpet and be left unquestioned, as most superpower establishments do?
I think that it's time the Catholic Church realize that some of their policies are just redundant in nature, denying human beings many liberties and rights. Is father Albert Cutie really doing anything that is harmful to anyone? If the Vatican addresses this situation at all, it will definitely draw fire from both sides; those asking for some form of reformation in policy, and those that believe the church is God's establishment and God's word isn't for anyone to disobey.
If he is, in fact, reprimanded by the church for his actions, what would be his punishment? Surely they will have to make an example of him somehow, but given the previous cases with child molestation, would it be morally acceptable to punish someone who, despite breaking his vow of celibacy, pleases the heterosexual contingency of the church? I think that in the next few weeks, the Vatican may in fact address this issue in a light manner, which will diffuse the situation. Only time will tell what will happen with Father Albert. I leave you with a quote:
"At a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
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