"One cannot escape the harsh fact that as a ministerial profession, the priesthood has very serious problems. They are not new. They did not develop yesterday or last year"

In the quote by Andrew Greeley, "One can not get away the harsh reality that as a ministerial occupation, the priesthood has very serious problems. They are not brand-new. They did not develop yesterday or last year", Greeley brings attention to longstanding concerns within the priesthood, highlighting their relentless and historic nature. By describing these problems as "very severe", he recommends that they are considerable and effect the effectiveness and understanding of the priesthood.

The use of the expression "extreme reality" suggests that these problems are indisputable and bothersome, acknowledged even by those who are most likely most invested in the institution of the priesthood. The qualifier that these problems "are not new" and did not just develop recently highlights their deep-rooted existence, suggesting that they have historic connection and possibly structural causes that have permitted them to persist gradually.

Greeley might be mentioning a series of issues. While he does not specify them in the quote, historically, the priesthood has faced difficulties such as scandals, decreasing occupations, the struggle to maintain importance in contemporary society, debates over doctrinal changes, and the balance between custom and development. These issues may strain the priesthood's ability to get in touch with and serve its community successfully.

This quote welcomes reflection on the complexities of institutional reforms and the resistance that typically accompanies discussions of change within established systems. It suggests that any options will need to resolve the underlying and longstanding nature of these obstacles, instead of looking for fast fixes. The persistence of these issues likewise indicates that there might be systemic barriers to alter that make dealing with these issues difficult. Greeley's remarks highlight the requirement for ongoing discourse and action to confront and solve the enduring obstacles dealt with by the priesthood.