The Kohein and the convert

An article that I read today had me searching the following question. An answer was provided by Rabbi Shraga Simmons.

Question: Does Jewish Law permit a Cohen to marry a convert to Judaism?

Answer: A Cohen is not allowed to marry a convert, a divorcee, or a "zonah." (see Leviticus 21:14, Maimonides' Laws of Forbidden Relations 18:3, and Talmud Kiddushin 78a)
..A Cohen is forbidden to marry these women, not because she is a bad person, but because there is metaphysical reality that is created which prevents a Cohen from being able to create the proper bond...
On a practical level, the Kohanim, who are charged with being the spiritual leaders and role models for all of Jewry, must therefore preserve a more scrutinizing level of holiness. The fact that a particular Cohen today may not see himself in such a lofty role does not diminish his obligation to live up to that.
Read full answer: http://judaism.about.com/od/jewishweddingsmarriage/f/cohen_convt.htm

A child of a Kohein from a woman he was not allowed to marry is a chalal and doesn’t have Kohein status (the Kohein himself doesn’t lose his status but can’t duchen..).
http://hadassahsabo.wordpress.com/2009/09/22/dilemma/