BishopAccountability.org
	Solt Reveals a Pattern of Grave Misconduct by Father Corapi Catholic Culture July 5, 2011 http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=10913 In a stinging public statement, the apostolic society of which Father John Corapi is a member has announced that the popular preacher and television personality is not “fit for ministry,” and ordered him under obedience to leave his private Montana compound and live with other members of the community. The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) released a public statement on July 5 in response to a series of claims by Corapi. While acknowledging that Father Corapi had “inspired thousand of faithful Catholics,” SOLT said that a public clarification was necessary, to avoid misleading those who remain loyal to the suspended preacher. SOLT revealed that an investigation of Corapi’s affairs found a pattern of misconduct, including sexual relations and cohabitation with a women, abuse of drugs and alcohol, and embrace of a luxurious lifestyle that was “a serious violation of his promise of poverty.” The statement indicated that Corapi "holds legal title to over $1 million in real estate, numerous luxury vehicles, motorcycles, an ATV, a boat dock, and several motor boats." Father Corapi impeded the investigation of his affairs, SOLT disclosed, by filing a lawsuit against his accuser, charging that she had violated the terms of a non-disclosure agreement that she signed upon leaving his employ. Other colleagues apparently signed similar agreements not to reveal what they knew about his personal and business affairs, SOLT said. SOLT had suspended Father Corapi from public ministry during the investigation of his affairs. The July 5 statement, released by SOLT superior Father Gerard Sheehan, confirmed that the suspension remains in effect: SOLT's prior direction to Fr. John Corapi not to engage in any preaching or teaching, the celebration of the sacraments or other public ministry continues. Catholics should understand that SOLT does not consider Fr. John Corapi as fit for ministry. Father Corapi shocked his many Catholic followers by announcing on June 17 that he was voluntarily leaving the priesthood. He charged that he could not receive a fair hearing, under current circumstances, claiming that Church procedures leave an accused cleric helpless. He also hinted that the charges of misconduct were part of a broader campaign against him: “There are certain persons in authority in the Church that want me gone,” he said. Corapi said that while no longer functioning as a priest, he would continue to speak out on various issues. “My topics will be broader than in the past, and my audience likewise is apt to be broader,” he said. The July 5 statement from SOLT indicated that Corapi had been directed not to engage in “preaching or teaching.” SOLT also instructed the suspended priest, under obedience, to drop his lawsuit against the woman whose accusations prompted the investigation into his misconduct.
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