Priests in Love: Roman Catholic Clergy And Their ... (ISBN 0826418309)

Read, but read with caution.:
This is most certainly an interesting read, however it is not without bias. While, to a certain degree, I have enjoyed reading the individual stories of the priests and their "friends" (an original and creative way to describe the partners of ordained clergy), I find that the commentary that coincides with relayed narrative is much to caustic to be thoroughly enjoyed. While I am not sure what exactly Anderson's personal stake in the issue of celibate clergy is or has been (aside from her admitted personal experience of first-hand knowledge while a parish secretary), it is clear where she stands in regard to the hierarchical church and the institutional structure that - whether it is loved or not - is necessary as part of any functional human institution. This is definitely a read for those who are secure in their faith in the Roman Catholic Church and are not going to be scandalized to discover that the ordained clergy are human. However, Anderson does not do a very good job at showing any clergy - nearly at all - that are living an integrated and healthy life as celibates! Therefore leading her readers to develop a misconstrued opinion that this is an immediate issue for all clergy, when in fact this is not as much a pandemic as Anderson would have one believe. Finally, it would seem most inappropriate for me to totally support this book based on what appears to be a soapbox for one author's repetitive, biased agenda, I must admit that this book does tell a story that is often overlooked or ignored however exaggerated the writer has made it out to be. Read, but read with caution.

A compendium of stories of love and restriction, loss and pursuit:
Priests In Love: Roman Catholic Clergy And Their Intimate Relationships is an account of love and intimacy by members of the Roman Catholic priesthood drawn from Jane Anderson's active involvement and experience in Catholicism for over twenty years. A compendium of stories of love and restriction, loss and pursuit, Priests In Love provides readers with an appreciation for the spiritual, ethical, and emotional issues involved, as well as being an authoritative study of the history of priestly celibacy and the frequent difficulties faced by members of the clergy within the culture and community of the church. A unique work of considerable merit, Priests In Love is very strongly recommended reading for anyone interested in the issue of a celibate priesthood and the issues surrounding the intimate issues of love and relationships within the Catholic community.