Catholic Priests Who Resign Find Backing from Advocacy Group

In a bold move, two Nigerian Catholic priests have made the decision to leave the priesthood and pursue new paths in life. Daniel Oghenerukevwe and Echezona Obiagbaosogu, both formerly committed to celibacy and religious duties, have found support from an advocacy group called Ex-cellence Project. This group, dedicated to offering psycho-social support to former clerics, has stepped forward to back the priests’ decision, calling it an act of self-authenticity.

Obiagbaosogu, originally from Anambra State, confirmed that he not only left the priesthood but also embraced the African Traditional Religion and married his partner. His move has been openly supported by Ex-cellence Project, led by Leo Igwe, who praised the priest for having the courage to follow his own path. The group sees their exit as a positive expression of personal freedom.

While Obiagbaosogu’s decision was confirmed publicly, Oghenerukevwe, from Delta State, has remained silent on the matter. However, the church revealed that Oghenerukevwe married in the United States without prior permission, leading to his suspension by the Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Anthony Ewherido. The church’s stance on celibacy and marriage has sparked debate, as Catholic priests are required to remain celibate and forgo marriage, but these two men have chosen a different route.

‘Catholic priesthood not by force’

Igwe, in a statement, expressed that priesthood should always be a matter of choice, not force. He emphasized that nobody should be pressured into a life of celibacy or priesthood if it does not align with their true desires. He criticized the Catholic Church for its rigid stance on keeping priests in the vocation indefinitely, often preventing them from resigning or exploring other faiths. This, according to Igwe, leads many priests to live inauthentic lives, secretly marrying or practicing other beliefs while still holding onto their clerical roles.

The Ex-cellence Project coordinator called on the church to make it easier for priests to leave the priesthood, suggesting a severance package based on years of service to help former priests transition smoothly. He believes priests who resign should be celebrated for their bravery, not stigmatized. In his view, the church’s current approach harms both the priests and their families, causing unnecessary psychological and social burdens.

Igwe also encouraged other priests to embrace their rights to marry, pursue different careers, and follow their own personal philosophies. “Priesthood is a profession, and like any career, it can be changed,” he said. He added that many former priests go on to live fulfilled lives outside the church, finding happiness and meaning in new roles and relationships.

This situation shines a light on the struggles some priests face and raises questions about the role of choice in the Catholic faith. As more priests like Obiagbaosogu and Oghenerukevwe take steps to forge new paths, the debate over religious expectations versus personal freedom continues to grow.