Celibacy in an Age of Sexual Freedom

Recently when renewing my licence, what Catholics call a faculty, I had to complete a Confidential Lifestyle Questionnaire during a private interview with my bishop. Each page had to be initialled in his presence. He had to tick a few boxes and sign the last page. Practising due diligence, he’d already consulted the Archbishop’s Professional Standards Unit, to see if anything untoward was on my file. The signed questionnaire was put in an envelope, sealed and locked away. It will only be opened if any risks around my priesthood need to be managed. At the end of what was for me a positive pastoral experience, I came away feeling good. The process was well thought out, like confession, only more bureaucratic. Now the onus is on me to behave. I’m sure I can. I’m not sure who else cares in our age of sexual freedom. Christians must have this conversation and arrive at a consensus consistent with the Bible as God’s word.

The essay appears in December’s Quadrant.
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