BishopAccountability.org
	Father Alberto Cutie: I'm Not Sure What I'll Do Next By Jennifer Lebovich Miami Herald May 11, 2009 http://www.miamiherald.com/459/story/1042539.html The Rev. Alberto Cutie, in his first English-language television interview since photos surfaced showing him frolicking with a woman on the beach, apologized profusely to the church and his fellow Catholics. Though the photos have reignited the debate over priests and celibacy, he said he still believed in the vow. ''I don't want to be the anti-celibacy priest,'' he said. ``It's a debate in our society.'' Cutie appeared on CBS' The Early Show, telling anchor Maggie Rodriguez he had a romantic relationship for about two years, though he had known the woman much longer. Unlike in his interview with Spanish-language network Univision, Cutie dressed casually for the CBS interview. Missing in this interview: his white collar. Cutie sought counseling from other priests, who have helped him deal with his feelings and said he was motivated by love. ''I entered the seminary 22 years ago,'' he said. ``In 22 years, I've never had a sexual relationship with anyone. I committed myself fully to my vows. . . . This is the only person I've had sexual contact with.'' The photos, which appeared in the Spanish-language magazine TVNotas, were taken on an isolated stretch of beach a few months ago. A lifeguard who works with the paparazzi alerted them he was there, Cutie said. ''It was imprudent,'' he said. ``It was stupid.'' Cutie said he's in the process of deciding what to do next. When asked about marriage, Cutie responded: ``I think I need to pray.'' The woman has been identified in media reports as Ruhama Buni Canellis, 35, a divorced mother living in Miami Beach, but Cutie has declined to confirm her identity. Cutie said he is not yet ready to talk about whether he will leave the church. After the photos surfaced, the archdiocese stripped Cutie of his duties at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Miami Beach, but said ultimately it's up to Cutie whether he returns. The archdiocese made no indication of Cutie's future on Monday. ''Father Cutie has a decision to make and he is taking some personal time to do so,'' said spokeswoman Mary Ross Agosta. Contact: jlebovich@MiamiHerald.com
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.