Petition to the Pope Calls for Opening the Priesthood to Married Men now.

Benefits of the Pope acting now include providing access to the Eucharist to millions of additional Catholics, giving hope to many Catholics who feel alienation because of the clergy sex abuse scandals, and securing a significant and historic papal legacy

(PRWEB) March 20, 2005 -- The Web-based Catholic Church reform company Lost Dog, Tall Weeds, LLC, has issued a petition to Pope John Paul II asking him to open the priesthood to married men now. Here's the petition.

Holy Father, we believe that now is the time to open the priesthood to married men.

Nearly half the world's parishes and missions have no resident priest, and many parishes are closing because of the priest shortage. Allowing married men to join their celibate brothers in ordained ministry will provide additional millions of Catholics access to the Mass and the sacraments.

Making this extraordinary change now will demonstrate that Church leaders listen to the sensus fidelium (the Spirit-inspired beliefs of the faithful). It will demonstrate that the Church can respond boldly to one of the major challenges that we, the people of God, face together. It will provide much needed hope to many Catholics who feel a deep sense of betrayal and alienation because of the scandal of clergy sex abuse of children and its coverup by many church officials.

Holy Father, in addition to providing these major benefits, acting courageously now to open the priesthood to married men will also add a significant and historic legacy to your pontificate.

To sign the petition go to http://www.PetitionOnline.com/mp2005/petition.html

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