I am sure you've read about an internationally known Catholic priest sometimes called "Father Oprah" has been removed from his posts in Florida after published photos showed him lying down bare-chested in an embrace with a woman on a beach. Articles go on to assert that Rev. Alberto Cutie (pronounced koo-tee-AYE) -- who got the nickname "Father Oprah" because of the advice he gives on Spanish-language media -- remains a priest. But he was relieved Tuesday of his duties at St. Francis De Sales Church in Miami Beach, Florida, and at the Radio Paz and Radio Peace networks, said a "deeply saddened" Miami, Florida, Archbishop John C. Favalora.
The photos of the Cuban-American priest appeared on the cover and on eight inside pages of this week's TV Notas magazine. The cover says in Spanish: "Good God. Padre Alberto. First photos of a priest 'in flagrante' with his lover."
In a message posted on the Miami archdiocese Web page, the archbishop apologized to parishioners and radio listeners for what he called a "scandal."
"Father Cutie made a promise of celibacy and all priests are expected to fulfill that promise with the help of God," Favalora said. "Father Cutie's actions cannot be condoned despite the good works he has done as a priest."
Cutie apologized in an online statement Tuesday, saying he "wants to ask for forgiveness if my actions have caused pain and sadness. ... I assure you that my service and dedication to God remain intact."
The issue I am wrestling with is this: We have a priest who is excommunicated from his 'parish' for hanging out on a beach with a grown, single woman; yet you have pedophile priests who violate underage boys in non-consensual ways but they are able to remain in position and rank - something is drastically devastating and terribly wrong with this picture. Of course, the other issue is this - priests are not allowed to marry; but the one considered by the Roman Catholic church to be the first priest is Simon Peter, who was very much married. I am just confused.
Here is my question: Should priests be allowed to marry? I would like to hear what those in the blog world have to say. Thanks!
2 comments:
I most definitely believe that all men should be married. My spiritual common sense tells me that this is a slap in the face to God to view marriage as a sin. The whole purpose and effort of God's creation of woman, was to fulfill and sanctify marriage. God's first establishment was bringing together man and woman and then the family. Whatever the reason for taking such a vow does not honor God. As always the bible is VERY clear in God's intentions for Man.
And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18.
This includes the Priest. Inspite of ANY vow taken, he is still a man.
Great Post. Love you.
NLT 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust.
Great post Pastor Pullam, this is a great controversial issue in Catholicism today. Martin Luther (The Reformer) was led to address this issue as well.
Congratulations on your graduation! (Dr. Pullam)
Ron
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