The Sins of Mandatory Celibacy

This book investigates the origins of the Catholic hierarchy's decision to mandate celibacy and the effects this has had on Catholic culture and wider society. In part 1, Debra Maria Flint examines the history and theology of mandatory celibacy and demonstrates that this practice has no roots in Judaism or the teachings of Jesus. Flint then discusses the effects of enforced celibacy and illustrates how it cemented the creation of a patriarchal church. She argues that the consequences of this were a misogynistic culture, the psychological maladjustment of some priests, abuses of human rights, illicit sexual practices, and sexual abuse. In part 2, Paul Murphy Sanderson, a former Cistercian monk and priest, describes Catholic culture from within and gives a brave and harrowing account of the sexual abuse he experienced during his time as a member of the Catholic clergy. Debra Maria Flint is a Catholic feminist writer who has fought for an end to misogynistic and abusive practices. She has now teamed up with Paul Murphy Sanderson, a former Catholic priest, to create a book that challenges the Catholic Church to rid itself of manmade customs that distort the original message of Christianity.