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The Rev. Alberto Cutie left the Roman Catholic Church. |
'Father Oprah' preaches in Episcopal church
Associated Press
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June 1, 2009
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BISCAYNE PARK, Fla. - A popular Miami priest nicknamed "Father Oprah" said yesterday that "church is about forgiveness" during his first sermon since leaving the Roman Catholic Church to become Episcopal amid an uproar over published photos of him kissing his girlfriend on the beach.
The Rev. Alberto Cutie gave the sermon at the Episcopal Church of The Resurrection in Miami. Episcopalian priests can marry, unlike their Catholic counterparts. It will take him at least a year to become a priest in his new church.
The cozy church was overflowing with supporters, most having to stand along the aisles or lean against the walls.
Cutie said in a TV interview last month that he was in love with the woman in the photos and that they have been romantically involved for about two years after being friends for much longer. His girlfriend has been identified in local media as Ruhama Buni Canellis, 35. He has not said whether he plans to marry her, but noted in a statement this week that as he became an Episcopalian, he "has seen the ways that many of my brothers serve God as married men."
Cutie has said his decision to switch was made over time, not since the photos in a Spanish-language magazine rocked South Florida, where he was known as the host of a TV show on which he gave relationship advice, earning him the "Father Oprah" moniker.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
