Will there be uproar as ex-Episcopalian priests are allowed to forgo Catholicism's celibacy code?
A number of Episcopalians have been unhappy with the denomination's recent liberal changes, things like a shift toward pro-choice views and acceptance of gay marriage, even ordaining openly homosexual bishops. In response, the Catholic Church is opening up a nationwide diocese to ex-Episcopalians who would like to join Catholicism as a group; a priest and congregation, so church leaders and members who are already comfortable with one another will have a chance to stick together. They will be expected to abide by the Catholic Church's governance, support their conservative views and acknowledge the pope. But since priests in the Episcopal Church have never had to practice celibacy, and many are already married with children, the Catholic Church is granting an exemption to their long-practiced celibacy code... but is it fair? And should it even be allowed in the faith?
Who is responsible for lusty thoughts and a crush on the boss? Our community weighs in.
Do you consider you underwear choice when and if you go to church? This week YourTango users were especially fired up over a Traditional Love post asking if men are to blame for having "impure" thoughts or should women—particularly scantily clad women—take some responsibility? The latter thought is what leads to dress codes in institutions and even across cultures. As you might have guessed, men and women had different opinions. YourTango user btoenges related:
A young woman attends a conference on faith and sex and comes out changed.
In any other sense of the word, I wouldn't tolerate using someone or being used. I won't date someone for his social status, befriend someone for the simple goal of getting ahead professionally, and I most certainly wouldn't sleep with an older man in exchange for being taken care of. But here I was sleeping with people because they were there, because my body had an urge, one that I clearly didn't feel the need to examine.
Got God? Clergywomen looking for love struggle on the dating scene.
The percentage of female rabbis and pastors is on the rise, and many women want to find Mr. Right. We talk to several women of the clergy who are looking for love but struggle on the dating scene.
Converting to a new religion before marriage? Advice about conversion and religious beliefs.
If you're struggling with how to marry your beliefs with your partner's before you actually marry him, know that you're not alone. Here's what the experts—and brides who have been there—say you need to know.
Tired of bad boys? Try going for the ultimate nice guy.
When it comes to niceness, church-going guys might be the new boy next door. Chances are, if you overlook the negative media image and peek into the next Sunday morning service, you'll find someone who encompasses the following qualities: He uses clean language, he's consistent, he's not promiscuous. Sold yet? Read on for more.
Now that the ballyhoo's died down, Father "Oprah" chooses girlfriend over church.
After the television cameras faded to black and the limelight went dim, Cutie and his lover quietly crept off to the alter to tie the knot and make their union official. On Tuesday, the displaced priest (who because he has not been formally removed by the Vatican is still technically a Catholic priest) married his long-time girlfriend of two years, Ruhama Canellis, reports the Associated Press.
Whoever said celibate monks can't suggest a new sexual position or two?
Knotz recently wrote Sex As You Don't Know It: For Married Couples Who Love God. Nevermind that Knotz doesn't, you know, technically score—he thinks that's a moot point. Afterall, he says sex is always between you, your husband/wife AND God—and Knotz knows an awful lot about the third person in the bedroom. He runs a website called A Chance To Meet, where he answers sex questions from couples who are grappling with figuring out how to screw in a holy manner. Which, we guess sometimes boils down to sexual positions for married couples.
Spiritual exploration can be lonely and divisive when one partner's not on board.
When my husband and I got married, our divergent religious backgrounds were the last thing on my mind. From the start, we were in full agreement that we would blend our Jewish and Christian traditions into an unstructured cornucopia of customs and holiday celebrations. This all-inclusive philosophy presented little conflict, and we were compatible in our religious laziness. But, eventually, I became a restless wanderer with unresolved questions about my soul's purpose on this earth, and I longed for a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
