How should we think about clerical celibacy? Is it an "invention" of the Church intended for pastoral purposes? Or is clerical celibacy rooted in the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ? What to make of married priests in the early centuries of the Church and in Eastern-rite Catholicism and Orthodoxy today? How did clerical celibacy develop? What are its theological foundations? Cardinal Stickler, a theological expert at Vatican II, an eminent canon lawyer, and church historian, answers those and other crucial questions on clerical celibacy. He clarifies the concepts of celibacy and sexual continence. He then examines the development of clerical celibacy in the Latin West, exploding the myth celibacy is a medieval invention or simply a church-instituted practical discipline. He shows how though most priests (as well as bishops and deacons) of the early Church were married, they were also to observe "sexual continence"—to refrain from sexual relations with their wives. Next, he turns to consider the practice of Eastern Christianity. Finally, he concludes with a theological reflection on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which shows why the popular distinction between "doctrine" and "discipline" doesn't fully explain all the important aspects of the requirement of clerical celibacy and continence. This edition features a foreword by Jesuit Father Joseph Fessio.

In order to arrive at a correct understanding of the much-discussed topic of clerical celibacy, it is necessary to clarify the pertinent facts and regulations found within the Church from its beginnings until the present time. Further, it is also necessary to explore the theological reasons for celibacy. This can be done only on the basis of a knowledge of the relevant sources and of current scholarship, especially if this book’s presentation is to be accepted as valid and credible. Before tracing the historical development of celibacy in the Western and Eastern Churches, this study begins with an analysis of the actual concept of clerical celibacy, which necessarily lies at the basis of the respective obligations that it imposes. To give solidity to his conclusions, Cardinal Stickler provides an outline of the method which a proper treatment of this argument demands. The final part of his book is dedicated to the theological presuppositions and foundations of celibacy

“The Church today demands a profound renewal of celibate priesthood and the fatherhood to which it is ordered.” Priestly celibacy, some say, is an outdated relic from another age. Others see it as a lonely way of life. But as Fr. Carter Griffin argues in Why Celibacy?: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest, the ancient practice of celibacy, when lived well, helps a priest exercise his spiritual fatherhood joyfully and fruitfully. Along the way, Griffin explores: the question of optional celibacy some pitfalls of celibate paternity the selection and formation of candidates for celibate priesthood why biological fathers are also called to spiritual fatherhood the powerful impact of celibacy on the Church and the wider culture In a critical moment for the Catholic priesthood, Fr. Griffin brings light and hope with a new perspective on the Church’s perennial wisdom on celibacy.

Heid presents a penetrating and wide-ranging study of the historical data from the early Church on the topics of celibacy and clerical continence. He gives a brief review of recent literature, and then begins his study with the New Testament and follows it all the way to Justinian and the Council in Trullo in 690 in the East and the fifth century popes in the West. He thoroughly examines the writings of the Bible, the early church councils, saints and theologians like Jerome, Augustine, Clement, Tertullian, John Chrystostom, Cyril and Gregory Nazianzen. He has gathered formidable data with conclusive arguments regarding obligatory continence in the early Church.

Pope Francis has called mandatory priestly celibacy "a gift for the Church", but added "since it is not a dogma, the door is always open" to change. Priestly Celibacy fills a critical gap in the current theological literature on this important aspect of ecclesial ministry and life, and also helps to contribute to the advancement of the rather underdeveloped theology of priestly celibacy.

Cozzens explores priestly celibacy as a source of power and burden of obligation, as spiritual calling and gift of the Spirit. He affirms celibacy as a charism, a gift that is true for some, but only when received as a grace.