Richards
The highly publicised paedophilia scandals which have rocked Roman Catholic dioceses in the United States, Europe and Australia over the past two decades are still hurting public perception of the priesthood, a senior Jamaican church official has said.
Father Kenneth Richards, vicar general of the Catholic Church here, said the local and worldwide body was working assiduously to address the trust deficit.
"Approximately two per cent fell out and were found guilty and it harms the trust that should exist. Persons pass remarks on a daily basis, but we know our purpose and we stick to it," said Richards.
Tougher restrictions
The vicar general said the Catholic Church in Jamaica had implemented tougher restrictions to safeguard its image, urging priests to be more cautious about entertaining visitors, particularly youths, at rectories.
A number of priests were jailed or defrocked after paedophilia cases - involving mainly boys - emerged in the 1990s and 2000s implicating high-ranking church officials in cover-ups. No case was reported in Jamaica.
Opinion is split on whether the Vatican's tough stance on celibacy for church leaders has contributed to the rise in child-sex cases - some dating back to the 1960s and '70s - and studies on celibacy, homosexuality and paedophilia have produced conflicting conclusions.
Though light pressure has been exerted to review the canon outlawing marriage for priests and nuns, Richards said while reform remains topical, the rule has withstood debate.
"Based on the reality with challenges faced by priests, there are always discussions, but at all times they end with the rule unchanged," he said.
While Richards conceded that married priesthood was not unbiblical, he explained that there was scriptural and historical evidence supporting celibacy. He argued that family responsibilities could distract clerics from religious vocation and sap ministerial passion.
"St Matthew speaks about persons making themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven and also first John speaks about the love for Him and celibacy facilitates that," Richards told The Gleaner. "It is totally stressful to run a church and run a home, as your family will be the priority, which can cause you to neglect the church at times."
It is a tough decision that young priests like Harold Funa, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, have to make. He said though he faces many temptations, a rigid prayer life keeps him going.
"There are temptations now but I have to channel them into recreation, work or think about my spiritual work," said 30-year-old Funa.
For the priest at St Francis Xavier Catholic, 30-year-old Sylvin Gloria, celibacy is worth it.
"I can focus on God and the community I serve with all my might, so I am happy as that's my purpose," said Gloria, who was ordained four years ago.
Despite the brave face, the priesthood continues to fight an uphill battle.
"It's a matter of choice and persons have to understand what they want in meeting their own integrity. Yes, they recognise the beauty of women but they must remember what God requires of them," said Richards, who added that masturbation was also deemed sinful by the church.
For Sisters Beni Coldac, Joy Surtida and Monica, reining in sexual urges is a matter of control and self-discipline. They all attest to using diversion techniques, such as prayer and physical activity, to preserve purity.
Sister Monica, a 29-year-old nun who asked that her surname not be published, said that the vow of celibacy could be revoked for persons who have ambitions of having a family.
"At any point, if persons so desire, they can go out of the convent and get married," stated Monica.
nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com