This paper is a research proposal to prove or disprove the relationship between celibacy and sexual deviancy by priests.
The proposed study describes the actual number of priests who have committed sexual crimes, reconsiders the Catholic Church’s mandatory celibacy policy for priests, proves that clergy members who vow celibacy are no more likely than those who do not vow celibacy to commit acts of sexual deviation and evaluates if the Church’s clerical celibacy requirement, causes sexual deviance. The meta-research analyzes the results of various surveys, sexual program evaluations, case studies, research papers and historical sources to present a thorough argument for and against the connection between sexual deviances and celibacy.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Findings
Goals
Specific Aims
Methodology
Research Chronology
Significance
Conclusion
Facilities Available
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Findings
Goals
Specific Aims
Methodology
Research Chronology
Significance
Conclusion
Facilities Available
“Celibacy has been a part of the Catholic Church since the fourth century. The Church remains loyal to this policy today, holding that celibacy allows priests to be more independent and available. Celibacy is also based on the idea that priests should live out the same witness as their brothers in monastic life. However, recent scandals involving priests and sexual misconduct have put pressure on the Church to reconsider its policy of mandatory celibacy. Every time a new sexual deviance case is brought against a clergyman, the issue of celibacy rears its head. Many people believe that if priests were allowed to marry, there would be less of a problem with deviant behavior.”