'The individual should be at the heart of the Church's agenda' - Fr René Camilleri

Outspoken theologist Fr René Camilleri is known for his open-minded approach that has in the past contrasted with the stand adopted by his fellow clergy members.

In an exclusive interview with sister newspaper Illum, Fr Camilleri said that he does not object women entering priesthood. He also delved into the woman's role within the Catholic Church, the Church's stance on homosexuality, the effects of the divorce referendum and the possibility of married priests amongst a myriad of other striking and contentious topics.

On the woman's role within the Church, Fr Camilleri expressed his disappointment how women are perceived as second class within the church.

"I don't find any objection to women being ordained as priests. However, it's a pity that the woman's role has been reduced to the priesthood debate. The discrepancy between genders within the Church is reflecting our cultural mentality as seen in parliament and the directors within public corporations," Fr Camilleri argued.

Consequently, Fr René Camilleri, underlined that the Church needs to conduct its homework to address the gender discrepancy.

Quizzed on whether priests should be allowed to get married, Camilleri said that even though this issue is not on top of the Church's agenda, the Catholic Church has in the past done many u-turns regarding certain notions.

"Priests getting married? Never say never," he held.

Turning his attention on gays, Fr Camilleri said the Church cannot continue to judge homosexuality from the "fossilized" stand of procreation, but conversely, it must look from the individual's point of view.

"The Church has always correlated sexuality with procreation, a stand that has adversely hindered the church's work and created many controversies. As a result, a pragmatic approach must be adopted to analyse the situation. The person has to be put at the heart of the Church's agenda."

Read more in today's edition of Illum.