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Irish Church Aims to End Stigma for Children of Priests

by Associated Press

   Bishops in Ireland have created detailed guidelines to address an issue
   the Roman Catholic Church has tried to keep under wraps for centuries:
   the plight of children born to Catholic priests and the women who bear
   them.
   The policy, approved in May and made public in recent days, states the
   wellbeing of the child is paramount. It says the mother must be
   respected and involved in decision-making, and that the priest "should
   face up to his responsibilities - personal, legal, moral and
   financial."
   The guidelines are believed to represent the first comprehensive,
   public policy by a national bishops' conference on the issue, which has
   long been shrouded in secrecy. While eastern rite Catholic priests can
   be married before ordination, Roman Catholic priests take a vow of
   celibacy.