Religion

MIAMI (CBS) ― Father Alberto Cutie, the popular priest caught up in a scandal following provocative pictures of him on a beach with a brunette, has joined the Episcopal Church after what he called "months of soul searching."

With Ruhama Canellis standing beside him and dozens of clergy behind him at Trinity Episcopal Church, Bishop Frade welcomed Cutie to the Episcopal Church. "We receive all Christians," said Frade. "We don't just take this person or that person. Someone once said we'll take you if you show up."

Frade also said that he welcomed Cutié and his fiancée Canellis into the church. In February, a paparazzi photographer sold pictures of Canellis and Cutié kissing and hugging at a public beach to a Mexican magazine. On Thursday, she stood at Cutié's side while he addressed why he decided to join the Episcopal Church, reports CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.

"I want to continue sharing the word of God," Cutié said in Spanish. "I've seen how many married men serve God. Those who know me know that I would be unable to hurt anyone especially my family and the faithful community. My personal struggle should not interfere with the work of other priests. Today, I have officially joined a new spiritual family. I ask that everyone respect my privacy. In the last few days, there have been rumors and respectfully, I ask you to stop. That's enough. May God bless you all."

Frade said it would take about a year for Cutie to complete the process of becoming an Episcopal Priest. He said Cutie would eventually work with Archdeacons Tom Bruttell, Bryan Hobbs and Fritz Bazin.

"We welcome Father Alberto Cutie into the ministry of the Episcopal Church," said Frade. "Our ministry has centered on spiritual growth, love, forgiveness and a sense of community."

He will deliver his first sermon as a deacon for the Episcopalian church on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection at 11173 Griffing Blvd. in Biscayne Park. The church seats 250 people, and church officials said on Thursday that they don't have any plans to add any additional seating.

Frade made the announcement on Thursday and said Cutié's bilingual skills, evangelical voice, and cultural sensitivities are a natural fit.

"This is the best place for Father Cutié," Bishop Frade said at a news conference on Thursday at the Episcopal Church. "We welcome him and his fiancée. We are the Catholic Church. He has not abandoned the Catholic Church. He has left the Roman church. As a deacon, he can read the sermon, perform mass, but not give holy sacrament [of communion.]"

"I thank God for the many people in our community who have shown me their love and support," Cutié said in a statement. "Your prayers have truly sustained me at this time of transition in my life. With God's help, I hope to continue priestly ministry and service in my new spiritual home."

The chain of events that led to Father Cutié leaving the Catholic Church started when pictures were published of Cutié and Ruhama Canellis embraced in loving poses on the beach. One of the photos showed Cutie's hand inside of Canellis' swimsuit.

After the pictures were revealed, a scandal erupted creating a division among his followers. Many supported Father Cutié, but others were angered over Cutié breaking his vow of celibacy. The divide among his followers even turned ugly at times.

Archbishop John Favalora of the Archdiocese of Miami said he was disappointed by Cutie's decision. He said Father Cutie's actions had caused a "scandal" that harmed the Archdiocese of Miami. He said the scandal divided the catholic community and "deepened wounds." Favalora said while Father Cutie had abandoned the Catholic Church, he said the church was not abandoning its faithful.

Bishop Frade says five other former Catholic priests are now Episcopal priests here in South Florida. One of them is the Rev. Robert DeSheais of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church in Plantation. He says Cutie will face many challenges in his conversion. "He will lose some friends in this transition. It will be difficult." But he said he felt the Episcopal Church had become a "blessing to me." He left the Catholic Church to marry his current wife, Deborah.

Earlier this month, a show of support for embattled, yet popular priest turned violent when a counter demonstrator showed up at the protest.

Dozens of current and former parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Church and friends of Cutié held up signs and chanted, "We love you Alberto."

Others said, "Admire, Respect and Forgive Father Albert." But there was no love for a man with a difference of opinion. They started shouting at Jose Soler when he showed up at the church and told a radio reporter that the Archdiocese of Miami had made a wise decision in relieving Cutié of his duties at the church and with the Catholic radio station.

Soler was slapped on the side of the head and knocked down. Police were called and a Miami Beach officer had to escort him away. Before he left, he said, "The preacher has to set a good example. I don't talk trash. This is what I feel."

Among the demonstrators, Mary Ann McIlraith said, "There are many people who support Father Cutié for what he has done over the years. He has touched many people."

Patty Colosimo said, "The father has been great for the community. I think it's a different century. It's time for a change."

Colosimo was referring to the vow of celibacy that Catholic Priests have to make. Another unidentified demonstrator said, "I just think it's absurd to demonize a man for behaving so naturally. I think the Catholic Church is behind the times."

Another demonstrator, Maria Helleler, said Cutié was a "great man" and she said of Canellis in the photos in TV NOTAS Magazine, "She has no manners. She has no scruples."

Father Cutié has kept a very low profile since the photos were published only granting two interviews, one to the CBS Early Show, and another to Univision.

Cutié has been seen worldwide on Spanish-language TV shows and has been the voice of Radio Paz and Radio Peace in Miami. But he was quickly relieved of his duties following the publication of the pictures.

Since 1998, Father Cutié has hosted several Spanish-language talk shows and programs. He's been seen in 24 million homes in 22 countries. He writes a syndicated newspaper advice column called "Advice From A Friend." He's been dubbed "Father Oprah" by his fans. He published a book titled "Real Life, Real Love -- 7 paths to a strong and lasting relationship." He is the son of Cuban parents. He grew up in Miami and attended Southwest High School.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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