{"id":1445,"date":"2009-05-28T16:26:43","date_gmt":"2009-05-28T16:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/news\/2009\/05\/flas-father-oprah-joins-episco.php"},"modified":"2009-05-28T16:26:43","modified_gmt":"2009-05-28T16:26:43","slug":"flas-father-oprah-joins-episco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/news\/2009\/05\/flas-father-oprah-joins-episco","title":{"rendered":"Fla.’s ‘Father Oprah’ Joins Episcopal Church"},"content":{"rendered":"

Miami – A popular Miami priest and media personality known as “Father Oprah” has left the Catholic Church and joined the Episcopal Church after he was photographed cavorting on the beach with his girlfriend.
\nThe Rev. Alberto Cutie (KOO’-tee-ay) was removed from his Miami Beach church after photos of him kissing and embracing a woman appeared in the pages of a Spanish-language magazine earlier this month.
\nHe was received into Episcopal Church in a ceremony Thursday at Trinity Cathedral. He must complete other requirements before serving as an Episcopal priest.
\nCutie spoke briefly at a press conference and read a statement in English and Spanish. He quoted from the book of Psalms and said, “More than ever, I’m assured that God is love.”
\nHe continued, “I have searched my soul and sought God’s guidance for a long time.”
\nBefore walking away without answering questions, Cutie thanked supporters and asked the media to respect his privacy.
\nHe did not address his relationship with the woman in the pictures or plans to marry her.
\n“I thank God for the many people in our community who have shown me their love and support,” Cutie said in a statement released earlier Thursday. “Your prayers have truly sustained me at this time of transition in my life. With God’s help, I hope to continue priestly ministry and service in my new spiritual home.”
\nCutie has previously said he supports the Catholic Church’s stand that priests should be celibate and does not want to become the “anti-celibacy priest.”
\nThe Cuban-American priest was born in Puerto Rico and previously hosted shows on Telemundo. He is also a syndicated Spanish-language columnist and author of the book “Real Life, Real Love: 7 Paths to a Strong, Lasting Relationship.”
\nHe headed the archdiocese’s Radio Paz and Radio Peace broadcasts, heard throughout the Americas and in Spain, and earned the nickname “Father Oprah” for his relationship advice.
\nEarlier this month, Cutie told CBS he has been romantically involved with the woman in the photos for about two years after being friends for much longer.
\n“I believe that I’ve fallen in love and I believe that I’ve struggled with that, between my love for God, and my love for the Church and my love for service,” Cutie said.
\nAfter the scandal, more than 100 people gathered outside Cutie’s former parish in Miami Beach, waving posters and chanting their forgiveness following the scandal.
\nAssociated Press
\nCopyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Miami – A popular Miami priest and media personality known as “Father Oprah” has left the Catholic Church and joined the Episcopal Church after he was photographed cavorting on the beach with his girlfriend. The Rev. 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