why are only men priests?
352964
Most simply - the clue is in the question:\n\nAll Priests are men; and all Priestesses are women. :)\n\nBut seriously, it tends to be only the Roman Catholic Church who ordanes that all of its priests are celibate men.  Anglicans are willing to accept women priests (see the BBC's "Vicar of Dibley").
106105
Early leaders of the church tried to make everyone feel welcome, even pagans. In doing this they incorporated many pagan practices into the church by mixing them with Christianity. Because of this, A lot of Catholic ritual has obvious pagan aspects. This by itself makes Catholicism open to criticism by those who think theirs is the ONLY religion. And then of course the pedophile priests don't help things either. When I was growing up in a Catholic part of New Orleans, every kid knew of some other kid that had been molested by his priest. My friend got all of his buddies fraudulent baptismal certificates from the priest that was molesting him. We used the certificates to get ID with drinking ages on them. One guy even used his to join the military at 14. With stuff like this going on for decades, the religion is very open to criticism.
834907
Personally, I never understood that.  Especially for priests.  Holy men should have families, not be sexually suppressed and molest little boys.  It is a gift from God to have a life partner, and to have children.  Men of the cloth should have that blessing and I dont know where chastidy= faith comes from.  Never understood it and I thank I found a faith which encourages marraige and discourages being single!
57692
priests dont really have a "salary". the parishiners donate to the church and part of that money goes toward the housing of the priests.
402035
No a woman is not supposed to be a Priest, or Pastor as these are positions of authority over men.\n1Ti 2:12  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. \nThe idea is that the headship is given to the man, and the woman should not take authority over the man.  Just like the husband is the head of the house.  Women filled many other positions, preached, taught, deacons, and others.\nThe only priests are in the Old Testament.  But priests there were men, the Apostles all men.
130211
Because they only think of themselves and their needs and desires. Men are selfish bast*rds.
799032
The reason is that during the feudal era of europe, sons inherited their father's title and posessions.  Because of this, priests' sons were assuming their father's role as priest and laying claim to the land.  This meant there were priests who had no idea what they were doing, lacking the required education, and the church was losing its lands.\n\nBy forbidding marriage, they effectively forbade legitimate heirs to priests and thus ended the theft by inheritance.\n\nHowever, there is no reason Biblically for it, and actually reason that Bishops should be REQUIRED to be married (in the Bible, Bishops are required to be married with children and in good standing in the community to prove that they could manage the house of God).\n\nSince the feudal concept of inheritance no longer applies, there is nothing that prevents the Vatican from overturning the married requirement.  Some ministers of other faiths who are in close communion with the Roman Catholic Church who convert to the RCC are given special dispensation to practice as Roman Catholic Priests despite being married.
498979
this question is just turning into let's see who can insult the catholics the most, which I find greatly offending. The thing I think is most misunderstood is the celibacy of priests. Because of that and many accusations, most people think that "all" catholics priests are pedifiles which is not true.
567276
Yes, most Catholic deacons currently being ordained are married men who will never become priests.\n\nWith love in Christ.
77596
There was a time when the priest of Israel where the only means of communicating with God.  They abused their priveledge and then it was no more.  Catholic priest also have abused their power.  They are not your father.  They seek to deceive you.  You speak of the scriptures and say you understand their meaning.  Then do what is asked of you.  Many will persecute you and call you all kinds of names.  But for Christ sake endure these things.  For your treasures are not on this earth.  We will discuss this more when we get there.
748442
Why do you think that all Christian priests always have sex with children.  don't they take time off to say mass?\n\nBut, seriously folks, I believe the incidence of child molestation among Catholic priests is because they are put upon to be sexless.  Unlike Muslim, Jewish, and other types of Christian clerics, Catholic priests are not allowed to marry. This is unnatural and just might be the cause of the perversion.
540421
I think it's because it was mostly men who were in control of  nearly everything in the past. It was men who worked, voted, drove, and etc. I'm sure that when "God" was first acknowledged or came into existence, it was probably men who preached and wrote about "God" and they could only relate to a "God" that mirrored them in some manner. And because women were once considered weak, how could someone or something as powerful as"God" be female? \n\nI also agree with what you said about language constraints.
323195
Now this is just my opinion!  for many years catholic priests have sexually assaulted young boys and it was covered up by the catholic communities?Only in recent years have there been  charges filed against these priests.They can no longer "just transfer" them to a new parish!Because some of those boys and their families were brave enough to contact a police department instead of the church!I have often wondered,why aren't the priests allowed to marry? because they are trying to be God like,because Christ wasn't married? now in answer to your question,I think they'd probably get rid of the woman and child to protect the pope's reputation and credibility!
306536
A Catholic Priest can officiate the Mass entirely by himself, since he is the only one who can consecrate the Host (change the bread into the Body of Christ).  Also, the Catholic Priest is the only one on your list who can absolve you of your sins through the act of Reconciliation.  A Deacon can do everything a Priest can do except the above mentioned and also a Deacon can marry whereas a Priest can not. A Nun (Sister, what have you)doesn't have any important services when it comes to the Catholic Mass; however, she does take an oath to devote her life to God and most Nuns end up being teachers and/or volunteers.
269463
I think you misunderstand teh role.  Except for priests of the Roman Patriarchate, Rome does not make rules for people.  Catholics follow the rules set down by divine revelation.  Now, for purposes of practicality, certain processes occur in a regulated manner.  For example, morning prayer is sung during the morning evening prayer isn't.  If it doesn't impact divine revelation, then it is optional.  On the other hand, if you disagree with divine revelation you will do what you want anyway, so they don't matter then.
629241
You shouldnt confess to someone other than God. I dont know why Catholics do that. I grew up Catholic and that was one of the major problems I had with the religion. It doesnt make any sense. You are right. Priests are just humans. \n\nBottom line: your relationship with God is between you and God. You know what the relationship is and you know what works for you. Do what you feel is right and dont let anyone boss you around or make you do something you dont feel in your heart.
376380
IF GOD INTENED IT TO BE SO THAN THERE WOULDN'T BE WOMEN. MEN ARE JUST AS ROUDY AS WOMEN. INFACT I THINK THE WORLD IS MORE PEACFUL THAN IT WOULD BE WITHOUT THEM. THINK ABOUT IT, THEY ARE THE ONES THAT KEEP THE PEACE, BREAK FIGHTS WHEN MALE EGOS START INFLATING. THE WORLD NEEDS WOMEN.