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'Church Is About Forgiveness': Kissing Priest

'Father Oprah' gives first Episcopal sermon to standing ovation

By Drew Nelles, Newser Staff

Posted May 31, 2009 2:49 PM CDT

(Newser) – His Catholic parish was scandalized when photos surfaced of the Rev. Alberto Cutié cavorting on the beach with a 35-year-old divorceé, but his new Episcopalian flock greeted his first sermon this morning with a standing ovation, reports the Miami Herald. From the altar of Miami’s Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Cutié told the congregation, which included said 35-year-old divorceé, "I am humbled by your presence here.”

Cutié stressed that "church is about forgiveness," and discussed turning to God for guidance. “Church is about living in the spirit of God, and the spirit of God is love,” he concluded.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Girlfriend Ruhama Canellis, right, stands with Rev. Alberto Cutié, left, during a news conference at the Trinity Cathedral Church in Miami Thursday, May 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Rev. Alberto Cutié participates in a blessing of the crosses outside the Episcopal Church of The Resurrection Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Biscayne Park, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Rev. Alberto Cutié waves to the media as he participates in a procession at the Episcopal Church of The Resurrection Sunday, May 31, 2009 in Biscayne Park, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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Father Cutié's actions have caused grave scandal within the Catholic Church, harmed the Archdiocese of Miami—especially our priests—and led to division within the ecumenical community and the community at large. - Archbishop John C. Favalora

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

doingtherightthing

Jun 1, 2009 12:45 PM CDT

Demi......your like a reed in the wind you blow in any direction. Your like that bug I just stepped on. At least that bug had a purpose. You on the other hand, are counted as useless and without purpose. Somehow I believe they kicked you out of the church. As the saying goes; there are no atheist's in a foxhole..........dude

Reader1398

May 31, 2009 11:27 AM CDT

Youngest of 7, married to youngest of 6 -- both from 'good' Catholic families . . . we've left the Church behind. The last straw was when they equated our twins, here because of IVF, as being brought into this world in a 'wrong' way! Their stance against IVF, stem cells, etc. and views of so many things are Taliban-esque and out of step with the 21st century. They'll continue to get the congregation they deserve -- smaller, hardcore cultists left to defend a Medieval religion.

Derni

May 31, 2009 10:03 AM CDT

As a former priest and now atheist-quite a change hey-taht's what too much education can do-I'll can onlytell you that having been a memebr of the "good old boys club" it is great to be out with the real people and not living in a dream world. The church is slow to forgive and slower to change-and that will result in fewer people joining it.

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'Church Is About Forgiveness': Kissing Priest