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	Derry Priest's Resignation Prompts Celibacy Debate Derry Journal November 18, 2009 http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/Derry-priests-resignation-prompts-celibacy.5830824.jp A well known County Fermanagh priest says the issue of compulsory celibacy for Catholic priests needs to be examined. Father Brian D'Arcy made his comments following the shock resignation of Derry priest Father Sean McKenna who announced to his congregation on Saturday night that he had fallen in love with a woman. "The mandatory or compulsory celibacy, I think, is not only a contradiction in terms but has outlived its use by about 1,000 years and it should be changed," said Father D'Arcy. Father McKenna, who would have celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination in June, told parishioners at the weekend: "The nature of this relationship is such that the rule of celibacy does not allow me to continue in the priesthood and to be in this relationship at the same time." It's since emerged that Father McKenna's relationship is with a mother of two who is separated from her husband. However, a source close to the Derry priest told the 'Journal' the relationship between the two only began when the woman's marriage had ended. The situation has prompted calls for a debate on married priests. Father Brian D'Arcy pointed out that former married Anglican priests who were unhappy with the ordination of women priests have been admitted to the Catholic Church. He said such priests were "reordained" in the Catholic Church and allowed to minister at parish level despite being married.
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