Deacons and Continence (continued)

While the discussion of this has died down here at Vox Nova, it continues elsewhere on the web.  Here is an interesting take by Ronald Conte, pointing out that Pope JP II interprets one key passage of canon law differently than Dr. Peters.  Here is the money quote:

Dr. Peters’ interpretation of Canon 1031 §2 is that the consent of the wife required therein is a consent to permanent and perpetual continence (i.e. to abstain from marital relations). Pope John Paul II gives a different interpretation of this Canon:

“Equally important is the contribution that a married deacon makes to the transformation of family life. He and his wife, having entered into a communion of life, are called to help and serve each other (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 48). So intimate is their partnership and unity in the sacrament of marriage, that the Church fittingly requires the wife’s consent before her husband can be ordained a permanent deacon (Can. 1031 §2).”

The debate also rages here, and a critque by an anonymous canonist appeared here.  Dr. Peters has refused to engage this, saying only that it contains serious misstatements of canon law.

As I said in an earlier commbox, I am not sure why I am so intrigued by this debate.  In the end I think it points to something really painfully wrong with the Church today.