Changes

While bishops were always celibate, as well as monks and nuns in religious orders, the modern celibacy requirements for priests were originally created due to legal issues regarding the inheritance of property. Over time, however, support for priestly celibacy became linked to the belief that it enables the clergy to be completely devoted to God and to their entire flock.

While bishops were always celibate, as well as monks and nuns in religious orders, the modern celibacy requirements for priests were originally created due to legal issues regarding the inheritance of property. Over time, however, support for priestly celibacy became linked to the belief that it enables the clergy to be completely devoted to God and to their entire flock.

Although the word ''celibacy'' can also refer to the unmarried state, this usage is rare. '''[[Chastity]]''' has been confused with celibacy, and it is '''chastity''' that is required of unmarried persons, divorced persons and [[homosexual]]ly oriented persons<ref>[[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] (CCC) number 2359. See the full context in CCC numbers 2337-2372.</ref>, according to Judeo-Christian doctrine.

Although the word ''celibacy'' can also refer to the unmarried state, this usage is rare. '''[[Chastity]]''' has been confused with celibacy, and it is '''chastity''' that is required of unmarried persons, divorced persons and [[Homosexuality|homosexually oriented]] persons<ref>[[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] (CCC) number 2359. See the full context in CCC numbers 2337-2372.</ref>, according to Judeo-Christian doctrine.

==Outside of Catholicism==

==Outside of Catholicism==

Most non-Catholic [[Christian]] denominations do not require priestly celibacy.  Indeed, many Christians believe that while celibacy is a valuable spiritual discipline for those who are called to it, any requirement for priestly celibacy is contrary to the [[Bible]].<ref>[https://www.gotquestions.org/celibacy-priests.html Does the Bible teach the celibacy of priests?]</ref>

Most non-Catholic [[Christian]] denominations do not require priestly celibacy.  Indeed, many Christians believe that while celibacy is a valuable spiritual discipline for those who are called to it, any requirement for priestly celibacy is contrary to the [[Bible]].<ref>[https://www.gotquestions.org/celibacy-priests.html Does the Bible teach the celibacy of priests?]</ref>