Fr. John Corapi, an ultra-conservative Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity priest, announced plans on June 23rd to leave the priesthood. He has had a radio program on Relevant Radio and was a featured personality on EWTN. He was known for his conversion story from rich drug parties in Hollywood, to homelessness, to becoming a priest. His Bible was the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the teaching of the hierarchy. Therefore, it is strange to hear him talk about the problems with the leadership of the Church. From his time as a radio personality, I thought the leadership of the Church could do no wrong. All that changed when an allegation of sexual abuse came forth. His order was attempting to check the validity of the allegation, but Fr. Corapi would not cooperate, citing his "civil and human rights."
If he really is leaving the priesthood because of the stress caused by a false allegation, then I truly feel for the man. But at the same time, assuming he is innocent, he should realize that the mistakes of church leadership in the past concerning sexual abuse warrant a greater transparency on behalf of bishops and clergy to rebuild the trust that has been lost. In any case, I will not miss hearing Fr. Corapi's voice over the airwaves. His theology was the pre-Vatican II pray, pay, and obey... which not even he wants to follow anymore.
A Faithful Catholic
4 comments:
It is extremely sad because in the end this decision from Fr. Corapi subverts his incredible message.
His conversion story is heartening and his defense of authentic Catholicism powerful and convincing. Yet, one bad decision, undermines a lifetime of achievement.
Defense of authentic Catholicism?? Give me a break!! We assume he was gay. His story screams such.Why not stay and fight? Mark
Mark,
Apparently it is all about sex for you. I will assume that you aren't well read on the details, but the allegations are from a woman (not a man).
Authentic Catholicism would be defined as being in line with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I know you hold that document/book in very low regard, but the Church didn't, and neither did Fr. Corapi.
I agree, he should have stayed, in the end, his actions, as I said earlier, subvert at the end, his entire message.
Okay C S I stand corrected. I don't keep up with the scandals of the clergy. Never heard of this guy; just assumedhe was gay as are about 80 per cent of American catholic clergy. Let's just say he screams wierd.
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