The Archdiocese of Miami has issued a statement in response to the press conference of Father Alberto Cutie converting to the Episcopalian Church. In the statement written by the Archbishop of Miami John C. Favalora, Father Alberto Cutie has been accused of abandoning the Catholic Church. 

 

The statement goes further in saying that Catholics should not receive sacraments from Cutie and that only the Pope can release him from his vows of celibacy. Archbishop Favalora further stated that Cutie did not notify him of his decision to become an Episcopalian and that the action caused division within the Catholic Church and the «Community» in general.

The declarations of Archbishop Favalora also reflected the fact that Bishop Leo Frade had not informed the Archdiocese of Miami of Father Cutie’s decision. He considered it a disappointment that he found out about this action by the local media. The statement reflected on the «abandonment of the Catholic Parishioners by Cutie» and the promise of «no abandonment by the Church».

Cutie is no longer permitted to teach Catholic Faiths and Morals as well as practice the sacraments within the Catholic Church. When people heard the pronunciation, there were 50% in favour and 50% who stated that they will go to the Episcopal Church.

Father Alberto Cutie will be participating in a service with the Episcopal Church on the 31st of May 2009 with his now fiancé Ruhamma Cannelis present.

In my opinion, this is the worst way to change religions. While Cutie has helped many people within the Catholic Church, there should have been some communication. Cutie added salt to an already bleeding wound.

Regardless, the Catholic and Christian Church have been through worse and may survive even the demise of the Governments of the Western Hemisphere.