Celibacy, << SEHL uh buh see, >> is the state of being unmarried. In particular, the term refers to the custom of refraining from sexual relations, temporarily or permanently, for religious or moral reasons.
Some religions teach that priests must avoid sexual relations for a time to purify themselves before conducting religious ceremonies. Some Christian leaders have taught that celibacy frees individuals from family distractions so they can concentrate on religious duties. Christian and Buddhist monks and nuns practice celibacy as a religious ideal. In addition, all Roman Catholic priests must remain celibate. In Eastern churches, married men can become priests, but bishops must practice celibacy. However, most major religions do not view permanent celibacy as a moral ideal.
In the early Christian church, clergy could marry. By the 400’s, however, several church councils and popes had begun to require them to practice celibacy. This requirement was not generally met for several hundred years.
