VATICAN CITY / NEWS DESK — The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buea, His Lordship, Michael Bibi has touched off a wave of fierce backlash after delivering a controversial sermon warning women to stop “flirting” around Catholic priests, reminding them bluntly that clergy members are bound by vows of celibacy and cannot marry them.
The prelate’s remarks, which quickly went viral across social media and regional news outlets, have been widely condemned by critics, theologians, and women’s advocacy groups as a tone-deaf deflection that shifts the burden of clerical chastity onto female churchgoers rather than the men who swore the vows.
The Preach: “They Cannot Marry You”
Addressing a congregation during a recent service, the bishop delivered a stern admonition directed squarely at female members of the flock. He cautioned women against attempting to build romantic rapport or act flirtatiously toward local clergy, emphasizing the strict canon law enforcing priestly celibacy.
“Stop flirting around priests. They cannot marry you. They have dedicated their lives to the Church and their vows are permanent.”
While defenders of the bishop claim the message was intended as a lighthearted or practical warning to protect young priests from awkward boundary violations, the delivery has sparked intense condemnation for its archaic framing.
Backlash: Deflection and the “Eve Archetype”
The response from parishioner groups and gender equity advocates was swift. Critics point out that by blaming women for “tempting” priests, the bishop resurrected centuries-old patriarchal tropes that cast women as seductresses responsible for the moral failings or discipline of men.
Key points of criticism raised by observers include:
- Shifting Accountability: Vows of celibacy are taken voluntarily by priests during ordination. Critics argue that maintaining those boundaries is entirely the responsibility of the clergyman, not the women attending mass.
- Double Standards: The sermon singled out female behavior while failing to address how male clergy manage their own professional boundaries, emotional maturity, or conduct toward parishioners.
- Patronizing Tone: Rights advocates noted that reducing interactions between female church members and clergy to “flirting” minimizes the legitimate administrative, spiritual, and community roles women hold within the parish.
A Church Struggling with Boundaries
The controversy comes at a delicate time for the Roman Catholic Church, which continues to grapple with systemic issues surrounding power dynamics, clerical authority, and the long-debated rule of mandatory priestly celibacy.
While the Vatican under recent papal leadership has attempted to promote a more inclusive role for women in church life, incidents like this sermon highlight deep-seated cultural attitudes within the hierarchy. Rather than fostering an environment of mutual respect and clear professional boundaries, critics argue that public scoldings of this nature only serve to alienate female believers and reinforce damaging gender stereotypes under the guise of moral guidance.
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