Father Alberto Cutie

For those of you not familiar with this story I will start with a brief summary. Father Cutie was a popular Catholic priest in Miami. His following extended throughout Miami and into Latin America. He is apparently a charismatic orator and is considered by most women to be attractive. Although I find the Father to be a rather average looking man there is something to be said about his leadership abilities. Recently Father Cutie was caught fondling and kissing a woman on the beach. A scandal broke out in Miami, national news, Catholic Diocese and possibly some of the world.

As with most things in Miami if there is a scandal it is the topic of every conversation. Last night I had the pleasure of hearing one of my friends, Maria, give me her point of view on Father Cutie. Like myself she believes that while Father Cutie clearly violated his vows as a priest and he should rightfully be punished, the vow of celibacy is outdated and should be changed. There are many religions that anyone can easily name where pastors are allowed to marry, have kids, and experience all of the blessings God can offer. In my opinion, these experiences can only enhance the outlook a priest/pastor has on everyday life. If you think about it a priest can only relate to the life of a single man. A single man living at his parent's house who has the whole community paying his bills. How often does that happen? and if it does, what are the majority of cases a priest sees?

I believe that the vow of celibacy a Catholic priest takes should be revisited. I believe it would only help the Catholic Church's recruitment and perception amongst average people if they allowed priests to date and marry. It might even help remove some of the pedophile stigma that has become synonymous with the Catholic Church. The world is changing and an ever increasing pace and the Church needs to realize that if they are to survive they need to stop resisting change and adapt, just like any corporation. It's funny to me that most people still don't realize that that is all organized religion is, a business.

Father Cutie has since left the Catholic Church, joined the Episcopalian Church, and is now looking to marry his girlfriend. Which would you prefer leading your congregation, counseling you, and spending time with your children? A married man or a pedophile?