Folia Canonica 4. (2001)
STUDIES - Pablo Gefaell: Clerical Celibacy
CLERICAL CELIBACY 91 We need, therefore, to reflect on the deep sense of the matrimonial impediment of sacred Orders and the rest of the discipline on clergy celibacy, founded in the words of Pastores dabo vobis n. 29, which indirectly present the praxis of the uxorate clergy as a permissive law of a situation less proper to the clerical state. But let us remember that a permissive law implies that the allowed behavior is legitimate and justifiable in the given situation. It’s up to each sui iuris Church to judge and decide on this matter, evaluating history, social values,41 circumstances and consequences. 41 For Malankarians cf. B. V. GREGORIOS Thangalathil, Una Chiesa orientale torna all’unità scegliendo il celibato sacerdotale, in Aa.Vv., Solo per amore (nt. 18), 131—140 (specially 137-138).
