Telegraph article on the back of BBC show Fleabag

Created: 28 March 2019 28 March 2019

I HAVE NEVER REGRETTED LEAVING THE PRIESTHOOD FOR A WOMAN BY ALEX WALKER
The Telegraph 27th March 2019     Telegraph Article 27.03.19

I remember the moment I first set eyes on Jan. It was 1986, and I was a 31-year-old Catholic priest at a church in Kendal, Cumbria. She was a member of the congregation, who ran aerobics classes for parishioners. She knocked on the presbytery door to hand over some money and there she was: a pretty 26-year-old gazing up at me. "Father, this is for you:' she said, handing over the collection. I did not realise at the time what a huge impact she would have on my life.

I had known that I wanted to be a priest from the age of 13. Raised in a Catholic family, I packed myself off as a teenager to Underley Hall boarding school, ajunior seminary for boys. Ordained in Blackpool at the age of 25, I knew that celibacy was part of the package. It was discussed openly and we were all acutely aware that by dedicating our lives to God, we were forgoing any possibility of a wife and children. But talking about it is very different from living it.

After meeting Jan, we quickly developed a close, platonic friendship, and I always looked forward to seeing her at parish walks and barbecues. Before long, the two of us were taking trips to cafés and the cinema. She was chatty, intelligent and very attractive, and I enjoyed our long chats about faith and theology. At some point - I'm not exactly sure when - we developed feelings for each other.

Read more: Telegraph article on the back of BBC show Fleabag

Cardinal calls for end to compulsory celibacy

Created: 05 January 2019 05 January 2019

Catholics must 'leave behind categories like left and right, liberal and conservative and concentrate on the path of the Gospel'

German Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising called for change in long-standing church tradition as the German bishops' conference prepares for a workshop debate to "review" the issue of celibacy for priests.

In his homily at New Year's Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Munich, Cardinal Marx said the church must, "in light of the failure" surrounding the clergy sex abuse crisis, modify tradition in response to changing modern times.

"I believe the hour has come to deeply commit ourselves to open the way of the church to renewal and reform," Cardinal Marx said, according to an audio of the homily posted on the archdiocesan website. "Evolution in society and historical demands have made tasks and urgent need for renewal clear to see."

Read more: Cardinal calls for end to compulsory celibacy

Former priest: Cancel celibacy vows to solve church's culture of secrecy

Created: 07 March 2019 07 March 2019

Not the most accurate of reporting, but then I only gave the interview as background information. There are statements here which are not true and which I never said. Alex

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17455408.former-priest-cancel-celibacy-vows-to-solve-churchs-culture-of-secrecy/

Removing the requirement for Catholic priests to remain celibate would help to erode a culture of secrecy around offspring and relationships, according to one former priest.

Read more: Former priest: Cancel celibacy vows to solve church's culture of secrecy

50th Anniversary of the Advent Group

Created: 05 October 2018 05 October 2018