Cutié's new book is critical of Catholic Church
The Miami Herald reports:
In a controversial book being released Tuesday, Roman Catholic-turned-Episcopal priest Alberto Cutié lashes out against his former church, calling it "misogynistic," ‘‘disconnected'' and an "institution that continues to promote old ideas."Writing at length for the first time about his fall from the Archdiocese of Miami, Cutié vehemently defends his decision to leave the Catholic church and shares his increasing disenchantment with it over 14 years as a priest.
Cutié and the archdiocese parted ways last year after paparazzi photos surfaced of him kissing his now-wife on the beach -- an act against his celibacy vow that ignited an international media frenzy.
Dilemma: A Priest's Struggle with Faith and Love (Celebra, $25.95) partly elaborates on tales of secret romance that Cutié, 41, had already shared in interviews since his May 2009 reception into Episcopal church. But more revealing are Cutié's words about his former church, one which he strongly defended for years as the archdiocese's most popular representative.
For many of us who left the RC church after serving within that institution for any length of time, there is a period of anger and indignity over things that seemed normal while living within it. I experienced the same process and it seems to be a normal part of developing an emotional disengagement from what looks (in retrospect) a great deal like an abusive relationship. Regardless of the emotion, the content of Father Alberto's book is probably not too far off. I'd suggest that we should pay attention to what he's got to say because our churches are full of refugees from the Roman church who need our help and his insights might offer some valuable material for that conversation.
Posted by Peter Pearson![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 3, 2011 9:19 AM
It may be that Fr. Cutie has written too soon. Karen Armstrong, in Through The Narrow Gate, said that she had written three versions of her book before publishing it. The anger was dissipated and she had reached some resolution which made her book less a personal diatribe and more an analytic look at the issues of her life and the monastic life she had left. It was a clear rejection of the old system, but written without overt anger.
Ron Miller
Posted by Ron![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 3, 2011 9:32 AM
Yes I agree with Peter Pearson and kind of differ, a bit, from Ron Miller. The opus that the latter commentator cites is indeed good and admirable. That's not what I half-disagree with. I think the timing is ok. Perhaps later in a second book Father Alberto will do something like Karen Armstrong; gowver, I hope that the media frenzy and and Cutie's popularity doesn't muffle the good message this book certainly has.
[Editor's note: Thanks for commenting again, but we need your full name next time.]
Posted by Pangaio![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 3, 2011 10:44 AM
Of course there would be authentic anger (probably directed at self as well as directed against others)...who hasn´t tried to ¨believe¨ and ¨trust¨ when ¨not knowing¨ and then found themselves duped, misled, deceived or plain lied to by those struggling to retain control/power or privilege? For me the ABC/s and the Pope/s come to mind and it may take decades to cool me off.
Posted by Leonardoricardosanto.blogspot.com![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 3, 2011 10:44 AM
At least Rome considers him still a valid priest, albeit illicit. Those of us ordained in the Episcopal Church are only considered by Rome to be laypersons, but maybe pious. We graciously accept his Orders and do not play the arrogant Roman game of non-recognition. We have accepted close to 400 priests from Rome and do not need an Ordinariate!!
Don Hands
Posted by ministryman![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 3, 2011 5:54 PM