shome42

Obviously we'll never know for sure, but I'd imagine it's more than half. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if it was around 75%.

What do you guys think?

nancynancy

I agree with you -- at least 50%, but probably 75% or even higher if you include those who swing both ways.

fromdownunder

I have no idea. What % of boy scout leaders are gay? What % of people helping out with childrens sports are gay?

What is the purpose behind your question?

Norm

Alydar

30-50% is what I read in a recent study - but I can't see any study being statistically accurate as it would be manyfold more taboo to admit such among priests than it would the general population. Having met many priests at my Jesuit college, my gut instinct would estimate about half are gay, if my gaydar is accurate.

shome42

1) If someone knows of empirical studies, I'd be interesting to find out about them.

2) It strikes me as a matter of common sense that most priests would be gay, but I've never talked about it with anyone, so having a discussion would be interesting.

3) Maybe someone could point out another way of thinking which would lead to the conclusion that most priests aren't gay.

Who knows...

shome42

Ya, that an the whole denial thing, so maybe they haven't even admitted it to themselves. I'd imagine the prospect of eternal damnation can create some pretty strong cognitive dissonance.

fromdownunder

OK, fair enough.

Norm

BMSMCMAM

50%? What? I figured it would've been in the 10s, no where near half. So 50% of all Xian priests worship a god who would send them to hell? I'd like to see these studies, that doesn't sound right.

JustinK

Probably 5-10%, slightly higher than the average among the general (male) population in the U.S. The same thing probably goes for monastics, submarine crews, and other types of employment in which men are either isolated or otherwise denied close contact with members of the opposite sex for long periods of time.

scisyhp

Could you give a link for this study?