Described as a “precious jewel” by Pope Paul VI, the vow of celibacy, abstention from marriage and all sexual activity is required for those who choose a life of service in the Roman Catholic Church (Frazee 108). Perhaps one of the oldest debates within the Roman Catholic Church is the issue of clerical celibacy, particularly priests. Many ask: does compulsory celibacy for priests have a place in today's modern world? Some would argue that mandatory priestly celibacy is essential so that priests can adequately serve their parishioners and faithfully serve God. While others suggest that it is an antiquated and unnatural practice that is harmful not only to the priest but also to the Roman Catholic Church. However, in order to adequately answer this question, it is imperative to understand the history of obligatory clerical celibacy in the Roman Catholic faith, as well as the reasoning behind the implementation of this practice among clerics. The Church's official position on clerical celibacy dates back to the 4th century. In 306 CE, a small gathering of bishops met in the town of Elvira, near Granada. This council affirmed that all bishops, priests, deacons, and active members of the clergy were to abstain from sexual relations with their wives, as well as from having children (Stephey 14). It is interesting to note that no ban was issued against religious people entering into marriage. The ban was aimed exclusively at sexual activity. This decree of the Council of Elvira applied only to local members of the Iberian church; nevertheless, this decision spread the idea of ​​implementing clerical celibacy throughout the Church. The issue was discussed and proposed for church-wide implementation from the first ...... middle of article ...... about history). " US News & World Report 121.26 (1996): 76. Academic Search Premier. Web May 1, 2014. Klein, Franz. “John Paul II Priests.” Commonweal 132.14 (2005): 23-25. Schoenherr, Richard A. and Young, Lawrence. Clergy: Resignations in the Roman Catholic Priesthood." Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 29.4 (1990): 463-481. JStor. Web. May 1, 2014Stephey, MJ “A Brief History of: Singleness.” » Time 173.20 (2009): 14. Academic Search Premier. Web, April 28, 2014. Sullivan, James E. “Don’t Give the Priest Shortage the Silent Treatment.” US Catholic 66.12 (2001): 26. Academic Search Premier. , Timothy J. “The Book of Concord and Human Sexuality, Seen Through the Institution of Marriage.” » Dialogue: A Journal of Theology 48.1 (2009) : 9-18. 2014.