re: #85 Decatur Deb

Practice changes more easily than doctrine. One possible dramatic change, which would not be at all fundamental, is the married priesthood. There is nothing in RC theology that prevents it, and it might be the only way to staff their parishes. Both priests in my wife’s parish are in their 80s, and years past a normal parish rotation cycle.

Even that’s unlikely, though. The hardliners will look at centuries of Tradition and balk at allowing married priests despite the shortage of newer men entering the holy orders.

I don’t see it happening. It would be a pretty big move, and one that I don’t think the Vatican will make anytime soon. Celibate clergy is a discipline, and it’s one they’ve spent centuries defending.