'Father Oprah' now an Episcopalian
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 Reverend Alberto Cutie 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.
He was received into the Episcopal Church in a ceremony yesterday at Trinity Cathedral. He must complete other requirements before serving as an Episcopal priest.
Cutie 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."
He continued, "I have searched my soul and sought God's guidance for a long time."
He did not address his relationship with the woman in the pictures or plans to marry her.
Cutie has previously said he supports the Catholic Church's stand that priests should be celibate and does not want to become the "anticelibacy priest."
The 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."
He 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.
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 Reverend Alberto Cutie 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.
He was received into the Episcopal Church in a ceremony yesterday at Trinity Cathedral. He must complete other requirements before serving as an Episcopal priest.
Cutie 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."
He continued, "I have searched my soul and sought God's guidance for a long time."
He did not address his relationship with the woman in the pictures or plans to marry her.
Cutie has previously said he supports the Catholic Church's stand that priests should be celibate and does not want to become the "anticelibacy priest."
The 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."
He 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. 