Can a priest have a deep relationship with a female friend? Similarly, can a married man have a deep relationship with a female friend who is not his spouse? What does the Church teach on circumcision?

Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute Director Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.

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Q1: To what extent can a priest go in his relationship with a female friend if they both understand that they have been given a deeper connection and a deep friendship that bears fruit through working together in the apostolate. Are they allowed to live that love and express it through a deep emotional and spiritual friendship or do they have to repress and transform it. What exactly includes a vow of purity?

Q2: Thank you for both of your insight. I am trying to understand boundaries with the opposite sex within my marriage. My husband is a friendly guy and I feel that he does not shield our marriage. We have talked and he is very understanding of my feelings. My question is what insight do you have about relationships with the opposite sex when married? I guess I am not trusting of others or how others might perceive "niceness" in this fallen world, I want to trust and look for the good but am having a hard time.

Q3: What does the Catholic church teach on circumcision?

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Resources mentioned this week:

Springsteen on Broadway on Netflix

TOB Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Thomas Loya

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Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals.

Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

Produced by Sounder and Key.