AUSTRALIA
Illawarra Mercury
By GEMMA KHAICY June 8, 2014
n the wake of sex abuse scandals enveloping the Catholic Church and an ageing population of priests, Stephen Varney stepped into a seminary at age 26. Nearly six years later he couldn’t be happier. He speaks to GEMMA KHAICY about his decision to be a priest.
Stephen Varney doesn’t have sex.
He has made a vow of celibacy because, he says, his life is filled with a passion greater than his carnal cravings.
His deep love of God and commitment to his faith provides him with satisfaction no woman can fulfil.
Ironically, he says, this sacrifice allows him to connect with others on a deeper level as he enters the priesthood. …
Italian women in love with priests sent a letter to Pope Francis last month asking him to make celibacy optional, while other proponents of overturning this rule have linked it to the sexual abuse of children.
The church, however, has rejected this argument, saying paedophilia is the result of psychological problems.
“I think it’s a bit rude to imply that someone who is living a celibate life, whether voluntary or involuntary, is somehow a potential child abuser,” Stephen says.
“It seems strange in my mind to think if you were going to disregard your vow of celibacy, why that would suddenly be towards children.
“It’s completely abnormal.”
As a priest-to-be, he says sex abuse scandals and cover ups in the church have been demoralising at times.
“I am disgusted by it and you might even lose faith in what you’re doing, but that would give even more power to those who have done wrong,” he says.
“I think the Royal Commission needs to happen and I am willing to be that champion of faithful priesthood and helping the victims who have been abused by priests or people in other institutions.”
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