Besides Roman Catholicism what other Christian denominations or non-Christian religions require that their ministers be celibate?

lanfranco

In Orthodox Christianity, a priest can marry before he is ordained -- and many do -- but if he's divorced or widowed, he cannot remarry. Moreover, bishops must be unmarried, so a married priest cannot be promoted: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerical_celibacy Mar 09 07, 11:03 AM

toughynutter

Shakers: Not only clergy but all members "Strict believers in celibacy, Shakers maintained their numbers through conversion and adoption of orphans. Turnover was very high; the group reached maximum size of about 6,000 full members in 1850, but now has only four members left" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakers Budhism "In some branches of Buddhism, priests, nuns and monks also are bound to celibacy, although Zen Buddhists, in particular, are not. ...The traditions of monasticism within Buddhism require celibacy, however, several cultures have revised this, and now have forms of married lay teachers, who are distinct from the celibate clergy. " Eastern Orthodox Church "In Eastern Orthodox Churches, and Eastern Catholic Churches (which are in full communion with Rome), married men may be ordained deacons or priests, but may not be ordained bishops, and one may not marry after ordination. The Oriental Orthodox churches and the Assyrian Church of the East follow the same rules that hold in the Eastern Orthodox Church. While some incorrectly believe all Orthodox bishops must be monks, in fact, according to church law, they simply may no longer be living with their wives if they are to be consecrated to the episcopacy. (The canons stipulate that they must also see to their wives' maintenance, for example Canon 12 of the Quinisext Council.) Typically, the wife of such a man will take up the monastic life herself, though this also is not required. There are many Orthodox bishops currently serving who have never been tonsured (formally initiated) to monastic orders. There are also many who are tonsured monastics but have never formally lived the monastic life. Further, a number of bishops are widowers, but because clergy cannot remarry after ordination, such a man must remain celibate after the death of his wife. " http://en.wi Mar 09 07, 11:12 AM

toughynutter

Opps Link tuncated from previous post http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerical_celibacy there must be others Mar 09 07, 11:14 AM