The Sins of Mandatory Celibacy
The History and Consequences of Mandatory Celibacy Within Catholicism
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
This book investigates the origins of the Catholic hierarchy’s decision to mandate celibacy and the effects this has had on Catholic culture and wider society. In part 1, Debra Maria Flint examines the history and theology of mandatory celibacy and demonstrates that this practice has no roots in Judaism or the teachings of Jesus. Flint then discusses the effects of enforced celibacy and illustrates how it cemented the creation of a patriarchal church. She argues that the consequences of this were a misogynistic culture, the psychological maladjustment of some priests, abuses of human rights, illicit sexual practices, and sexual abuse. In part 2, Paul Murphy Sanderson, a former Cistercian monk and priest, describes Catholic culture from within and gives a brave and harrowing account of the sexual abuse he experienced during his time as a member of the Catholic clergy. Debra Maria Flint is a Catholic feminist writer who has fought for an end to misogynistic and abusive practices. She has now teamed up with Paul Murphy Sanderson, a former Catholic priest, to create a book that challenges the Catholic Church to rid itself of manmade customs that distort the original message of Christianity.
Endorsements (5)
“Flint details a thorough explanation of the problems that arise when celibacy is exalted in the context of an exclusively male-led, hierarchical organization. . . . Sanderson gives a brave narrative of the sexual abuses that occur in this insular unisex institution; and it is strikingly familiar to anyone who has grown up female in the greater world. This book is a fantastic summary of the reason we all need Christ’s teaching of mutuality in this world without the dynamic of status.”
“Debra Flint raises a very controversial question when she makes a link between mandatory priestly celibacy and the avalanche of historic and contemporary scandals in the Catholic Church involving clerical child sex abuse.”
“Debra Maria Flint demonstrates how [clerical celibacy] has caused immense suffering to both adults and children. Paul Murphy Sanderson, speaking of his harrowing experience of suffering clerical sexual abuse, reveals how the institutional church has emotionally harmed victims of clerical abuse. This work describes how mandatory clerical celibacy has fostered a culture of psychosocial and psychospiritual pathology.”
“This book shows the need for emotional intelligence and healthy formation training, more thorough screening for psychological issues and firm, decisive intervention from visionary leaders. And clearly, many religions need to address the prehistoric way they involve women and simply must wake up to giving them an equal place and in doing so, creating healthier communities. Clearly, too many people—from popes to parishioners—have looked the other way. Until the institutions built around mandatory celibacy become much more robust and accountable, we will continue to rely, unfairly, on the bravery of people like Paul and the courage of other distressed victims to make their voices heard.”
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