Only men are called by God to be ordained as priests and Bishops in the Church. And, at the present time, only men are called by God to be ordained as deacons in the Church. Men should understand this teaching and teach, encourage, and require its belief by the men, women, and children under their authority and leadership.

Not every man is called to be ordained. Many who say that they 'feel called' are not truly called by God. One cannot discern a calling to ordination merely by looking inside one's self to see if one 'feels called.' The teaching of the Church concerning who is called and who can be ordained is paramont. Also, when a man chooses marriage, he is, for the most part, choosing not to become ordained to the priesthood. A few men become ordained after marriage in the East, or in cases...