At the start of the 21st century, scandal and controversy concerning sexual misconduct by priests has effectively shaken the Catholic Church. In this title, therapist and former priest, A.W. Richard Sipe examines the issue of celibacy in the priesthood.

In the midst of the worst crisis the Catholic Church has seen in almost 500 years, this book challenges Catholic authorities to renew, rethink, or reform the long-standing institution of celibacy.

"Now that the celibate cat is out of the bag, so to speak, there is a deep and pressing need for the kind of professional expertise and wisdom that Richard Sipe can provide--expertise and wisdom born not only of study and reflection, but also of years of experience as a priest and psychotherapist. Because of the efforts of persons like himself, there is hope that the 'secret world' of clerical celibacy and sexuality will eventually be transformed into what he calls a 'better world'." -- from the foreword by Richard P. McBrien