THE Synod of Bishops in Rome has not unexpectedly rejected the option of allowing married priests to try to solve the shortage of clergy in many countries.
But the fact that the issue was discussed so widely is a sign of greater openness to the possibility.
It wasn’t that long ago that even discussion of the option of married priests was almost taboo.
But let’s not forget the key issue here. It is about making the Eucharist available to all Catholics.
While there are declining numbers of men prepared to join the priesthood, the question of married priests will not go away.
If or when there is a change in the celibacy rule will depend to some degree on how much lower priestly numbers will fall.
