Repentance
Catholic priests who are non-celibate homosexuala or pedophiles must be forgiven if they repent. To do otherwise would be to deny the saving power that is claimed by the Church to be theirs to dispense in the name of the Saviour. Any person of compassion must agree.
However, there are two points that must be made. First, forgiveness must be preceded by true repentance on the part of the sinner. Second, forgiveness does not require that the repentant priest continue in the priesthood. I don't know canon law on this point, but logic would dictate that to remain in the priesthood is a privilege, not a right, and that those who commit such heinous sins as pedophilia should never, ever, again be trusted as priests.
The forgiven (and, it is to be hoped, laicized priest) may take the Blessed Sacrament (communion) as he is no longer in mortal sin. If he sins no more, he remains saved. But, hey folks, I don't want him anywhere near my kids or yours in a position of authority.
Catholic priests who are non-celibate homosexuala or pedophiles must be forgiven if they repent. To do otherwise would be to deny the saving power that is claimed by the Church to be theirs to dispense in the name of the Saviour. Any person of compassion must agree.
However, there are two points that must be made. First, forgiveness must be preceded by true repentance on the part of the sinner. Second, forgiveness does not require that the repentant priest continue in the priesthood. I don't know canon law on this point, but logic would dictate that to remain in the priesthood is a privilege, not a right, and that those who commit such heinous sins as pedophilia should never, ever, again be trusted as priests.
The forgiven (and, it is to be hoped, laicized priest) may take the Blessed Sacrament (communion) as he is no longer in mortal sin. If he sins no more, he remains saved. But, hey folks, I don't want him anywhere near my kids or yours in a position of authority.
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