PRIESTS IN LOVE: Catholic Clergy and Their Intimate Friendships

As a parish secretary, Australian anthropologist Anderson observed firsthand the struggle of men who tried to reconcile their priesthood with the celibacy requirement imposed by the Catholic Church. In 1995, she set out to tell the story of those who have renegotiated their vows by engaging in sexually intimate friendships with women and other men, a venture that required her securing the priests' trust and overcoming their fears of being exposed. In this study, she weaves excerpts from interviews with 50 priests conducted over a 10-year period into support for her strongly held view that celibacy should be optional. Although this story is long overdue, Anderson's book is disappointing because her personal agenda distracts and detracts from the more powerful and human aspects of priests in such relationships. Anderson also is remiss in neglecting the experiences of the partners of "priests in love." Although she hints at the pain they suffer from being part of relationships that are condemned by the church, she rarely allows them to speak for themselves, even as she criticizes a patriarchal church for empowering only priests. Advocates of changing the celibacy requirement will sympathize with Anderson's work, but her method may alienate those who might have been won over by a less strident approach. (Mar.)