Belgian Bishop Will Ordain Married Priests By 2028 - Introduces “Female Pastors”

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Belgian Bishop Will Ordain Married Priests By 2028 - Introduces “Female Pastors”

gloria.tv | March 20, 2026

On March 19, Bishop Johan Bonny, 70, of Antwerp, Belgium, announced in an 11-page pastoral letter his intention to ordain married men as priests in his diocese by 2028.

He plans to personally prepare suitable candidates with the necessary theological training and pastoral experience. "The question is no longer whether the Church can ordain married men as priests, but rather, when and by whom it will be done."

Bonny also wants to make "the sacrament of ordination accessible to women, starting with ordination to the diaconate."

The pro-homosexual prelate believes that there is "room for diversity within the sacrament of ordination."

In his diocese, a "provisional intermediate step" will be the "development of an ecclesial ministry that is equally accessible to men and women and gives them an equal share in the pastoral and administrative services of the Church."

"Terminologically, we can best speak of the ministry of 'pastor.'"

Monsignor Bonny considers an appropriate liturgical act or an own ritual for the "pastor" a meaningful step toward female priesthood. Through this celebration, the bishop enables someone to participate in the threefold mission of the Church: teaching, based on Christ’s role as prophet; sanctifying, based on Christ’s role as priest; and leading or governing, based on Christ’s role as king.