A Catholic priest, Fada Oluoma, took to Facebook to address controversial pastor Abel Damina’s criticism regarding the Catholic Church’s stance on celibacy. Damina had used scripture to label the church’s practice as a “doctrine of demons,” claiming it forbids marriage.
Oluoma clarified that celibacy is not a prohibition but a voluntary promise made by priests at ordination. He emphasized that priests are taught about this commitment long before ordination and have the freedom to choose. He noted that there are provisions for married priests within the Catholic Church.
Historically, priests were allowed to marry until celibacy was introduced around the 4th century. Oluoma referenced Matthew 19:12, where Jesus speaks of those who choose celibacy for the kingdom of heaven, underscoring the voluntary nature of this decision.
He also addressed the misunderstanding of 1 Timothy 3:2, explaining that Paul’s instruction regarding bishops and deacons being “the husband of one wife” was aimed at preventing polygamy, not mandating marriage for church leadership.
Ultimately, Oluoma asserted that the Catholic Church does not forbid marriage, but rather encourages priests to sacrifice it for their spiritual vocation, following the example of Jesus and Paul.
