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	A Scandal Ends Our Opinion: Cutié's Decision Allows Archdiocese to Focus on Real Problems Miami Herald May 29, 2009 http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/1070953.html As scandals go, the saga of Alberto Cutié has had it all. Celebrity, religion, clandestine photos, sexual innuendo, national TV exposure. There's been a little shock, a little awe and lots of ink and video. On Thursday, Mr. Cutié mercifully brought it to a close. By joining the Episcopal Church and announcing plans to marry the woman to whom he has been romantically linked, the 40-year-old former Roman Catholic priest made a decision that should put an end to the story. It was, in retrospect, where the story has been heading all along. As long as Mr. Cutié refused to renounce his temporal love, he could not continue on the same spiritual path. Did not reach out The Catholic Archdiocese took his action to mean that he had ex-communicated himself. It's a shame that Mr. Cutie did not reach out to the Catholic bishop to announce his intention to join the Episcopal Church. Still, his decision should bring the affair to a tidy end. Now the archdiocese can concentrate on its more fundamental and worrisome problems -- finding a way to keep struggling parishes and charities alive in a time of shrinking collections. Debate within church Some will be disappointed in the denouement of this drama. That includes those who believe the Catholic Church should have accommodated Mr. Cutié as well as those who feel that his behavior has weakened their faith. Mr. Cutié's charisma no doubt attracted believers to his former church. No surprise then that his sudden loss of standing within the church for which he so ably proselytized hurt many of his followers. Yet the great religions that have withstood the test of centuries are founded on the doctrine and timeless ideals of inspired teachers, as well as the institutions that disseminate the holy word. Those who place their faith in celebrity instead of the message of their own religions will always be disappointed.
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