Rev. Fr. Oluoma Chinenye John, a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has taken the opportunity to address Pastor Abel Damina’s recent statements targeting the Catholic Church’s discipline of celibacy. In a video, Damina cited 1 Timothy 4:3 to accuse the Church of promoting doctrines of demons by forbidding marriage and mandating abstinence from certain foods, particularly during Lent. Fr. Oluoma, however, argues that Damina’s assertions misinterpret both Scripture and Catholic teachings.
Fr. Oluoma explains that the Catholic practice of celibacy is a voluntary choice made by priests, not a prohibition of marriage. “A Catholic priest makes three vows—celibacy, obedience, and poverty—at ordination,” he stated. “This is a well-informed decision made after years of preparation. Celibacy is not forbidden marriage; it is a free, voluntary sacrifice for the sake of one’s vocation.”
He also highlighted that married priests exist within the Catholic Church under special provisions, demonstrating that marriage is not entirely excluded from the priesthood. Historically, celibacy became a formal discipline in the 4th century, reflecting both practical and spiritual considerations.
Biblical and Theological Foundations
Fr. Oluoma referenced Matthew 19:12, where Jesus affirmed the value of celibacy for the kingdom of heaven. “Jesus speaks of those who choose to live as eunuchs for the kingdom. This is a voluntary act, not a command,” he said. Similarly, St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7, encouraged both marriage and celibacy, advising believers to follow the path best suited to their spiritual calling.
The priest emphasized that celibacy allows priests to imitate Jesus Christ, who remained celibate, and to dedicate themselves fully to their spiritual mission. “A Catholic priest symbolically marries the Church,” Fr. Oluoma explained. “This undivided commitment is mirrored in the priest’s ability to serve without the encumbrances of a personal family.”
Clarifying Scriptural Misinterpretations
Addressing Damina’s interpretation of 1 Timothy 3:2, where Paul says a bishop must be the husband of one wife, Fr. Oluoma clarified that this text does not mandate marriage for church leaders. Instead, it was a directive against polygamy, which was prevalent at the time.
“Paul wasn’t making marriage a requirement for ordination. He was ensuring that those who married adhered to monogamy,” Fr. Oluoma explained.
A Call for Discernment
Fr. Oluoma concluded by cautioning against Damina’s approach to Scripture. “Damina starts with a predetermined conclusion and selects texts to support it, often misinterpreting their meaning,” he said. “The Catholic Church does not forbid marriage but trains priests to willingly give it up for the kingdom, just as Christ, Paul, and others in Scripture did.”
This detailed rebuttal underscores the Catholic Church’s position on celibacy as a freely chosen commitment, rooted in biblical, historical, and spiritual traditions. It also highlights the importance of accurate Scriptural interpretation in theological debates.
