Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

A question was posed to the Register: Can a man enter the seminary with tattoos?

Tattoos have become increasingly common in recent years, and this trend has not bypassed Catholics. It is now not unusual to see Catholics with visible tattoos, raising the question of whether a young Catholic man with a tattoo can enter the seminary.

The Church does not teach that getting a tattoo is inherently sinful. While some cite the Book of Leviticus as grounds for saying tattoos are sinful, many injunctions in Leviticus are disregarded by Catholics today. Arguments against Catholics getting tattoos often stem from the belief that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should not be defaced. However, these arguments do not change the fact that the Church does not consider getting a tattoo inherently sinful.

It is important to note that while having a tattoo is not inherently sinful, certain types of tattoos can be problematic. Tattoos depicting explicit, demonic, or blasphemous imagery are considered sinful due to their content rather than their form. A diocese would likely have concerns about accepting someone who has such tattoos as a seminarian.

Regarding whether a young man with non-contrary-to-the-Faith tattoos can enter the seminary, there is no official Church policy against it. However, acceptance into the seminary depends on approval from both a bishop and the seminary itself. A bishop could decide against admitting someone because of his tattoos.

In cases where an individual has extreme or highly visible tattoos that cannot be covered up, it is more understandable why he might be denied entry. Such visible markings could potentially deter people from approaching him for pastoral guidance. Although having an extreme tattoo does not make someone incapable of being a good priest, preconceived notions about such appearances could hinder pastoral relationships.

Ultimately, whether one can enter the seminary with tattoos depends on the bishop's discretion. If the tattoo is not contrary to Faith and can be covered by clothing, there is a higher chance of acceptance. Conversely, if it depicts something contrary to Faith or is extremely visible, acceptance becomes less likely.

No one has an inherent right to enter the seminary; rejection does not imply being a bad Catholic or person. Similarly, having a tattoo does not make someone morally deficient. Interior disposition holds greater importance than exterior appearance in all states of life.