Lavoisier Fernandez (25 Oct. 2026): "This distinction between doctrine and discipline is essential." "Married former Anglican clergy Keith Newton, John Broadhurst, and Andrew Burnham pose with their wives—Gill Newton, Judi Broadhurst, and Cathy Burnham—and Bishop Alan Hopes at their ordination for the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham on Jan. 13, 2011. Photo by Fr. James Bradley via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)."

Photo credit: "Image: Married former Anglican clergy Keith Newton, John Broadhurst, and Andrew Burnham pose with their wives—Gill Newton, Judi Broadhurst, and Cathy Burnham—and Bishop Alan Hopes at their ordination for the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham on Jan. 13, 2011. Photo by Fr. James Bradley via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)."

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EXCERPT:

"Celibacy Is a Discipline, Not a Dogma

A common misconception is that priestly celibacy is an unchangeable teaching of the Catholic faith.

It is not. In the Latin Church, priestly celibacy is a discipline. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that Latin clergy embrace celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, allowing them to dedicate themselves more completely to Christ and his Church (CCC 1579).

This distinction between doctrine and discipline is essential.

A doctrine refers to the truths of faith that the Church teaches as belonging to its constant belief. A discipline is a practice established by the Church that can differ between legitimate traditions."

Source ("Where Peter Is," 25 Oct. 2026): https://wherepeteris.com/catholic-celibacy-and-married-priests-a-tradition-often-misunderstood/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=page&utm_content=page-new&fbclid=IwY2xjawVNFldleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzQwOTk2MjYyMzA4NTYwOQABHisnJqnA2moB-d85UD9KFHhiY0VI3pDvamyjbUKPMVgCOKQsOb2gAEH8Mtvr_aem_NjRsH7rSgv_qkxndN4jz6A