Austria: The lack of priests - European Journal - 19.09.2007

Only 25 priests were ordained in Austria last year, an all-time low. The lack of priests is a serious problem as pastoral work grinds to a halt in many areas. There aren't enough new priests and many of the existing ones are giving up their calling to marry and have children. They are also upset by the fact that protestant clergy who have converted to the Roman Catholic faith are allowed to become priests although they are married. The same is allowed members of the Orthodox Christian faith who convert to Catholicism. A look at the controversial issue of celibacy in the Catholic church.