Father Corapi: You can't make this stuff up

I enjoyed some of his talks that I heard on the radio. Now it appears he has gone off the deep end.

"There, but for the grace of God, go I"

He needs our prayers very much.

Facebook is hopping with pros and cons ... But one person said it best. Time to let him go. The Messiah is Jesus and all of us have feet of clay.

Father Corapi reminds me of Charlie Sheen. He has taken a scandal as an opportunity to market himself directly to his fans. "Winning![?]"

The cult of personality is never healthy, whether it is in the context of politics or pulpit. The "personality" tends to be someone who manipulates the truth and the audience to his own ends; the audience tends to be childlike and searching for a parent-figure/Messiah. TV evangelists seem to fit this pattern often, as do priests like Corapi and Marcial Maciel Degollado. For priests and ministers like this, the personality overwhelms and subverts, even perverts, the message, even becoming the message. It is no longer about the Gospel it is about the personality and that should be a red flag to everybody.

Corapi is a "star" and a celebrity, and has something of a following. We really don't know how true the accusations against him are, he may well be innocent of any wrong doing, but he does not seem to be cooperating with the investigation. So now he is going his own way? Interesting how some so called "conservatives" are anything but.

When did narcissism and persecution complexes become signs of holiness? He's had them since his seminary days (see this letter: http://motherofgod.freeforums.org/fr-corapi-s-letter-to-mario-soraco-198...), yet nobody seems to have tried to stop the man from building a financial empire off the backs of naive and well-meaning Catholics who truly believed in him.

I wish I could say I am surprised that so many still support Corapi, but it seems like many have their own self-identity wrapped up in his supposed holiness. I've been conned before (Legion of Christ, anybody?), and I know how much it hurts to discover you have been played. But it does not benefit anybody to continue to praise and defend the con-man as holy and pretend you weren't conned after all

He is the just the latest in a string of businessmen using the Catholic Church to make money. And he did a fine job of it giving the people what they wanted to hear (bombastic preaching and dramatic stories from his bad boy days) and making millions to support his jet-set lifestyle. The gig is pretty much up, but many won't be able to admit to it and will continue to believe in the myth of the persecuted Black Sheep Dog.

On a side note, it is highly interesting that Corapi is suing his accuser (does he still claim he doesn't know who she is??) for breach of non-disclosure contract and not libel. If she were making up some crazy story, it surely seems he would sue for libel. To sue for breach of non-disclosure implies that what she was about to disclose actually happened, doesn't it?

And since when do Catholic priests run enterprises which require their employees to sign non-disclosure contracts? What are they so afraid will be disclosed?

Hedi, there is so much to this story. There are facts that do not support Fr. Corapi's positions that it is the Church that is creating an environment where he cannot get a fair hearing. Yet, it is Fr. Corapi who paid his accuser in exchange for her slience (hush money?) and impeded the investigation (suing his accuser). It is his actions which has made it difficult, to impossible, for the investigators to do their job by having others, who would be witnesses, sign non-disclosure agreements. Also, I think it is important to keep in mind that his accuser went to his superiors, not the press.

It has been suggested that the real issue may be that this investigation would put a light on Fr. Corapi's lifestyle; a lifestyle that is incompatible with a priest; especially one that is a member of a religious community and may affect a change in his personal wealth. Sadly, this may be the case.

Whatever the situation is, his behavior is, to say the least, odd and is cause for concern. I will pray for him and for his followers, who, it seems to me, are in the position of choosing between denial or devastation - not a very comfortable place to be. This is a sad and very serious situation. We are called to be honest and charitable. I will try to be both/

I had not fallen into the cult of personality that follows John Corapi, or any other televangelist of any denomination. But it appears he, like so many others in power (including politicians, sports figures, entertainment stars and mega-evangelists)has begun to believe he is invincible and above the morals of society. As usual, I am sad to see this happen.

I was suspicious at the beginning, because his denials were often in the form of accusing others (reference Congressman Weiner, President Clinton, et. al.) Then, in an article in today's NCR Online (http://www.ncregister.com/father-corapis-bombshell.html) several discrepancies are pointed out, most notably that first he claimed he didn't know who his accuser is, but is not suing her. Kind of hard to sue someone if you don't know their name, isn't it? But what's more troubling is that he's suing her for breach of contract, not libel. Apparently when she left his employment, according to this article, she and others signed confidentiality agreements agreeing to not speak about events that happened while working for him. They were apparently paid, too. BIG RED FLAG. Confidentiality agreements are always suspect, and imply guilt by at least one party to the agreement.

Corapi can save his ministry by coming clean now, admitting he lied, and that there were some shenanigans (before they come out on social media), take some time off, then resurrect his "ministry" as a secular one. After all, the man's a multi-millionare (in violation of his order's vow of poverty) so he can re-tool his image and still appeal to those who are looking for a pied piper to follow on earth rather than God in heaven.

While I cannot imagine being accused of such heinous activities, John Corapi's reaction is surprising. I understand his emotional response, but I would expect his spiritual advisor (not his canon and criminal lawyers, which are the only references he uses in his statement) to remind John of the suffering of Jesus, Mary, Paul, Stephen, Peter,...Joan of Arc, Romero, (need I go on?). Should the process be changed? Probably so. But Corapi's statement shows a lack of faith in the Lord Corapi has preached for 20 years:
"The bottom line is that the only way a just outcome is likely, in my view and that of my counsel, both civil and canon lawyers, is by accident, rather than as a result of the process."

Corapi says: "I agree with that, and would defend to the death the Church’s right to proceed as they see fit." But his actions prove otherwise.

Finally, Corapi says: "The case may be on hold indefinitely, but my life cannot be." So, in other words, he will leave the Church that he joined because why? It is not moving fast enough for him? It will not do as he says? It will not follow the process he wants it to follow?

His actions are only confusing his followers, but like so many leaders, his ego and pride are getting in the way. I am glad his followers are praying for him. He needs it. This reminds me of the the time in the New Testament when the new believers were following the preacher of the Good News instead of the One about whom they preached.

Never forget to follow CHRIST not men - you'll NEVER be disappointed. (I'm saying NOTHING at all on this controversy)

Corapi actually said some things that opposed a Latin liturgy that turned off many Traditionalists years ago. However his talks were always orthodox and appreciated by the more conservative Catholics.

1) I don't know that Fr Corapi has ever been considered a traditionalist.
2) Fr Corapi is (as noted) taking a good deal of flak from conservative sources (even before the news of the lawsuit).
3) While no longer applicable to Fr Corapi's case (per the lawsuits), There is something to be said about the climate in which there is a presumption of guilt, rather than innocence. This fundamental shift in presumption is the cost of zero-tolerance policies.

I for one never could never bring myself to listen to a rogue (Benedict's 'gyrovagues'?) religious, something SOLT was trying to reign in.

I think some of comments about priests' personality cults are right on the mark. I still cannot understand why he is giving up without a fight. He is not a "wimp". The late Cardinal Dulles had warned about the inadquacies of due process for accused priests

The question at the article can be mis-leading. It seems to suggest that conservative Catholics have been hypocritical in how they treated Pfleger and how they are treating Corapi, but they have rightfully criticized the selfishness and narcissism of both priests.

By the grace of God, though, Fr. Pfleger appears to have made peace with his bishop, and this should be celebrated by everyone. Fr. Pfleger is currently a better example than Corapi of reconciliation and in fulfilling his vow of obedience. At the same time, Fr. Pfleger is not as good of an example as the many priests out there who do not need to be reconciled to the Church because of their obedience to it.

Let's pray for all priests, so they may be wonderful examples to all of their spiritual children.

Father Corapi's is a very good representative of the Catholic Faith, unless you do not want to follow it fully? If you want to be a "good" Catholic and use contraception, semi support abortion when 'you" feel its okay, or many other issues that are clearly not aligned with the Catholic faith than you will most likely not want to hear Father Corapi's message. I will continue and always fully support my Catholic faith but it is very troubling to see how this was handled. As Father Corapi would openly speak out against church officials when they would misrepresent church teaching it is easy to see why they would not want him on their team! As there are unfortunately current ongoing scandals within many dioceses across the nation it amazes me at how fast and swiftly church officials moved against Father Corapi and removed him from service based on allegations. You know, if I was operating in the shadows and wanted religion to fit my lifestyle, rather than conforming to church teaching I probably would not want Father Corapi on my team either. I could tell by the context of this article within the first few sentences the side that this author was on. Anyway, God bless Father Corapi and his teachings will be valued forever! Good Catholics everywhere need to challenge their church officials and hold them to following the church doctrine at all times. If not, the Catholic Church will just become another "feel good" church with no integrity or direction!

I am dismayed by the cruelty of those of you who have passed judgement upon Father Corapi. I must admit you are good at throwing stones. John Corapi is innocent, but go ahead and condemn him, if it builds you up.

You might be interested in reading the official SOLT statement regarding Fr. Corapi, issued today (Monday, June 20, 2011). You can read it here:

http://soltnews.blogspot.com/2011/06/official-solt-statement-on-behalf-o...

Here is what it says:

Official SOLT Statement Regarding Fr John Corapi
As the Regional Priest Servant of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), I issue the following statement on behalf of the Society.

On 16 March 2011, the Bishop of Corpus Christi, Texas, and the SOLT received a complaint against Fr. John Corapi, SOLT. As is normal procedure and due to the gravity of the accusation alleging conduct not in concert with the priestly state or his promises as a member of an society of apostolic of diocesan right, Fr. Corapi was suspended from active ministry (put on administrative leave) until such a time that the complaint could be fully investigated and due process given to Fr. Corapi. In the midst of the investigation, the SOLT received a letter from Fr. Corapi, dated June 3, 2011, indicating that, because of the physical, emotional and spiritual distress he has endured over the past few years, he could no longer continue to function as a priest or a member of the SOLT. Although the investigation was in progress, the SOLT had not arrived at any conclusion as to the credibility of the allegations under investigation.

At the onset, the Bishop of Corpus Christi advised the SOLT to not only proceed with the policies outlined in their own constitution, but also with the proper canonical procedures to determine the credibility of the allegations against Fr. Corapi. We reiterate that Fr. Corapi had not been determined guilty of any canonical or civil crimes. If the allegations had been found to be credible, the proper canonical due process would have been offered to Fr. Corapi, including his right to defense, to know his accuser and the complaint lodged, and a fair canonical trial with the right of recourse to the Holy See. On June 17, 2011, Fr. John Corapi issued a public statement indicating that he has chosen to cease functioning as a priest and a member of the SOLT.

The SOLT is deeply saddened that Fr. Corapi is suffering distress. The SOLT is further saddened by Fr. Corapi’s response to these allegations. The SOLT will do all within its power to assist Fr. Corapi if he desires to seek a dispensation from his rights and obligations as a priest and as a professed member of the SOLT. We request your prayers and the intercession of the Blessed Mother for the healing of Fr. Corapi and for any who have been negatively affected by Fr. Corapi’s decision to end his ministry as a priest and a member of the SOLT.

Fr Gerrard Sheehan, SOLT
Regional Priest Servant
Posted by SOLT Webmaster at 13:50

We applaud Corpus Christi Catholic Bishop William Mulvey for taking action to forcibly remov for whatever role he played in the suspension of Fr. John Corapi, who has been suspended because of allegations he sexually exploited a vulnerable woman. We have spoken with her and find her very credible, and our hearts ache for her and her family because of the pain Corapi and a few of his misguided loyalists have inflicted on her.

This weekend, Corapi announced he’s quitting the priesthood.

We in SNAP have mixed feelings. We are grateful Corapi has quit, because he’ll have less protection and access to vulnerable Catholics outside of the priesthood. But we’re sad because it now seems less likely that those he exploited will ever see justice. It’s also less likely that church officials

In the past few months, two priests with a small Texas-based Catholic religious order SOLT – Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity – have faced serious public accusations of sexual misdeeds. (The other one: Fr. John Fiala, who was arrested last year in Kansas and charged with molesting a boy, and later re-arrested on charges of trying to hire a hit man to kill that victim.)

We hope these allegations will prompt law enforcement to investigate other possible clergy sex crimes and cover ups in SOLT.

I have been reading all the things that have been said about Father Corapi and it is very interesting to me to see how certain people are ready to condem him.Shame on those people for I think you have forgotten that we are not the judge of our brothers and sisters in Christ only God is. The devil is trying very hard to break down all that Father Corapi stands for in his teachings. We must pray for Father Corapi because this is a very difficult time for him with all that is going on.

Having been a police officer for 14 years, I know that the public NEVER hears the whole story, and this case seems to be one of those. I for one do not need to know the truth, As John Corapi has made a hard choice to be laicized.
Some damn his celebrity, I do not. He was first and foremost a preacher, with intelligence and chrisma. People like his well thought out presentations, they are both instructive in the faith and I believe come from his own deep seated faith. God uses all his chosen as he see's fit. Even Judas preached salvation before his final role in the redemption of us all. The biggest lesson he have to gain from this is that forgiveness is what we are called to do, for his accusers, for the Bishops and most of all for John Corapi.

I cannot tell you how important a role John played in my reconversion back to the Church from atheism. Through his ministry I believe that I have developed a much deeper understanding of salvation history. My hope is that John continues on the path, and develops presentations from his love of Jesus. John should continue to evangelize God's message of salvation and continue to bring people to the one true Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

Most of the criticism of Corapi demonstrates that for which they implicitly accuse him, eighth commandment defying presumption. It would be nice if sufficient fairness were extended to wait to see if Corapi can prove his charges about ecclesial authorities wanting this priest, who repeatedly dared to invoke the word sin, anathema to progressive Catholics, removed from ministry altogether. If Corapi is right, then all of this vitriolic hatred of him is wrong.

I know of cases where people lose their job in private industry. The company gives them severance pay in exchange for that person signing a legal contract that they will not discuss anything about the termination. this is standard practice for companies. In all fairness to Father Corapi, that is probably what he was doing. She was terminated by him. She also threatened to "take him down" when she left.

I'm not one of your regular readers. I am one of those "traditionalists" you mentioned. I just wanted to say, regarding your closing thought, that you are correct. The treatment Corapi is receiving versus what Pfleger received is inconsistent and certainly puts traditional Catholics in a bad light, but here's the real conclusion: the devil tempts us all, sin affects us all, and we are all weak and in need of humility. Cults of personality can affect any priest, on either side, because the devil doesn't care if a priest's message is right or wrong if the priest's methods draw his congregation into idolatry. I don't personally know any traditional Catholics who would find themselves any less susceptible to sin than "liberal" Catholics. We all sin, just for different reasons: because we love God too little.

We do not know if Fr. Corapi is guilty of any actual wrong doing, but I find it interesting that he has no confidence in the hierarchy providing him with a fair hearing, and the hierarchy does not appear to be rallying behind him either. Given how "traditional" Corapi is, one would think that he would have great confidence in the hierarchy and their fairness. Apparently, he does not.

One also wonders if perhaps some of the hierarchy does not like Corapi and his celebrity? it will be interesting to see where he goes with this "Black Sheepdog" business: will the hierarchy abide Corapi freelancing? Or will he have to leave the Church entirely to get the latitude he needs? we might have to catch him on the Protestant Trinity network, as opposed to EWTN.

This video http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2011/06/major-announcement-we-are-... sums up my opinion on his most recent actions. I hope he is innocent, but he is not acting like it.

I hope that everyone will go to the Lord and pray his divine will into this situation instead of trying to figure out who is responsible. This is terribly sad. We do not know whether Fr Corapi is guilty or not but the devil is sure using this situation to create great havoc in the church. At first I could not believe the accusations. We have to put the whole situation into the Lord's hands and pray that God's goodness can come out of it. May be now that many have had there say on the subject it would be the best to pray, pray & pray for the bishops and Fr Corapi. Don't let the devil have his way.

Lord we need your help. Come Lord Jesus come and save us from all this.

Anyone who knows Church Procedure when a complaint is registered against a P will also probably know of the virtual abyss that awaits the accused. It is not pretty and is rarely resolved quickly. In fact, the Church "suspended" Fr Corapi while Investigating the Complaint, an outrage, if one understands and ascribes to the doctrine of "innocent until proven guilty" and due process. Sadly the Church adheres to neither and unless the accuser quickly recants, or innocence can easily and speedily proven, then a long road of hell awaits the accused which could last not weeks or months but years. Such a travesty is not tolerated in the court system or in society at large. In fact if Fr Corapi worked in a corporation he could easily sue for damages for being suspended for unsubstantiated accusations. Some bloggars above mention the option of suing for libel, but again anyone who has been through the process knows that libel cases are hard to prove and very costly and time consuming. It is obvious Fr Corapi knows of other priests who have either gone through, or are now going through this very unjust process and he has elected to retain his full legal rights. Maybe the Church needs to review how it handles such accusations and leave it to the secular courts to decide. One thing is foe certain as soon as there is an accusation the targets reputation takes an immediate hit just look at the blogs and the article above for proof.

. . .o . . .m . . .g

and this guy gets ordained while good people got turned away?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Corapi

I have read several comments concerning Father Corapi. What has Father Corapi done that is so critically wrong. Please explain by return email

Thank you.

I have watched Father Corapi (nka The Black Sheep Dog) for years on EWTN. I liked his preaching on the importance of Church authority, obedience, and redemptive suffering. He would repeat over and over, "no pain, no gain; no cross, no crown." But as soon as Dog is put to the test himself - does he take up his cross and follow Christ, or does he cut and run? His actions - suing his accuser, calling into question the integrity of bishops and the Church itself - compare these to the standard Christ sets for his disciples in The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel.

I think he was sincere when he started out - but then came money and prestige, whose siren song he apparently couldn't resist. His talks took on a nastier, more cynical tone; there was often a subtext in which he was the rebel who dared to speak truth to power - the power of corrupt, liberal, cowardly bishops and theologians and others in authority in the Church. He also more and more embellished his military experience, stating that he was trained as a Special Forces Green Beret, but was injured prior to the deployment of his Green Beret squad to Vietnam, where they were all killed. It has been documented that he had no training or association with the Special Forces during his time in the Army.

Unfortunately Dog has shown that he's just another self-aggrandizing, money-grubbing phony trying to use religion to line his own pockets and inflate his ego. He's managing to blow enough smoke that some people can't see him for what he is - a wolf in Shepherd's clothing, and he'll probably lead some of them away from The One True Faith to become Dog's Sheep - which would be funny if it didn't involve their eternal salvation.

Corpai loves his reputation, fame, and money more than the priesthood. Clearly, he values these things over his ordination vows or else he would have stayed in the priesthood. He is a sham.

http://www.youtube.com/user/RealCatholicTV?blend=4&ob=5#p/search/3/Di538...

It seems that many are making assumptions Pope John Paul II was popular does that make him guilty so was The Cure' In cases like these it is hard to know the truth ,but if the woman is selling his rosary beads using his name and photos on her new site Catholic On line, is selling his Domain for $10.000 has a criminal record etc. she doesn't seem like a victim to me. Also if others complained about receiving Threats by her and they have evidence to substantiate these claims perhaps the Bishops should look at the evidence. I am not in a position to say whether he did it or not but come on she is an adult. Not a Child so I think The Bishops got carried away.He was not charged with a crime. Hope it all gets sorted out.

The devil put his little finger and stirred up a storm in the Church. A whirlwind of the devil has pulled all of us into divisiveness. The devil just sit back, relax, let his disciples continue his work, and laugh at all of us so call God's children.
* Where is the Wisdom of God in us?
* Why do the NCR take side and feed the fire?
* Why do John Corapi jump to a quick decision to leave Priesthood?
The devil is still laughing at us.

The devil put his little finger and stirred up a storm in the Church. A whirlwind of his has pulled all of us into this. The devil just sit back, let his disciples continue on with his work, relax and laugh at all of us so call God's children
* Where is the Wisdom of The Lord Jesus Christ?
* Can the Catholic media stop taking side to feed the fire?
* Mr. John Corapi decided to leave the Priesthood, so let it be. His fruit
will let us know! The more are given, the more are expected!
* Are we not all sinners? Do not throw the first stone!

Bottom Line: Father Corapi is a Christian as well as a human being. Was there trouble in his office. Yes. I've been in the substance abuse field as long as I have been a Christian. I think there was trouble but I don't believe Father Corapi did any real harm. Employees can be trouble as well.

After what I have seen of the church lately, I would not trust them to give me a fair trial either. I would cut my losses and get on with my ministry. I believe the Holy Spirit is present in his life and he will be productive.

As for his critics, some of sincere and some are full of hatred. As a christian, we should want the truth and the will of God. Remember God, he's the bottom line.

I'm not the Lord, so I can't tell you what is in anyone's heart. I'll pray for everyone involved and pray for God's will. However, I think the same Holy Spirit that save Father Corapi's life and fueled his ministry will bring him out on level ground.

http://www.onlinecatholicnetwork.com/interact/community/80-tamra-sexton/...

Some Victim if this is the accuser well sorry Bishop you really screwed up and signing a non-discloser aggreement is standard for this type of Business has nothing to do with allegations. If this woman is the accuser she is selling his Rosarys on Ebay for $5000 she stole his domain site and apparently is harrasing many of his followers, Also there are claims that she has left very disturbing messages on other peoples answering machines.
I do not see her as a victim, but I must say Father Corapi showed very bad judgement in who he hired to work for him.

Heidi's short article on Fr Corapi is inaccurate. Father Pfleger threatened to leave the Church when his archbishop decided to move him from a parish where he has spent the past 30 years; Fr Corapi left his congregation and priesthood. Let's pray that he doesn't leave the Church.

AA groups say that ego stands for easing God out. I wish John Corapi was saying more about his concern for the sheep...instead he is promoting himself as a purveyor of truth to the whole WORLD. Hmmm. Sounds like ego is easing God out What good is a talent for preaching truth if you aren't living the truth? As for the unattractive behavior of the alleged victim, that does not erase the fact that you have a priest who broke his vows of poverty and obedience. Maybe Corapi did not break the vow of chastity but he seems to have trashed the other vows. Some shepherd. We'll pray for him but we won't enable his current rebellious adolescent behavior.

When I read Fr. Corapi's statements explaining his decisions, I just couldn't help thinking of the Man who, more than 2,000 years ago, was wrongfully accused, beaten up, and finally killed on the cross. This was the Man Fr. Corapi claimed he loved and decided to follow. But all thought of Him seemed to have been gone from Fr. Corapi's consciousness. I pray for him for he seems to have gone back to his old way of thinking and behaving. I wonder, did he really change? Or has it always been his intention to use religion to satisfy his narcissism and desire for the buck?

Black Sheep or BS.Jesus would never cut and run. He went with it,Johnny,Please come back to the Church where you belong.Don't give up now.

Fr. Groshel is quoted as saying "obedience to disobedience is not obedience". SOLT may have gained some information but it has not granted full disclosure or a fair trial - not any better than the Church failed to ensure that Thomas More was not executed for being wrongfully accused of treason for upholding the Church and Apostolic succession right, above any claim of Kingship. Even Pontius Pilate insisted on full disclosure - there was (similarly) not any evidence against Christ other than hearsay - and even blasphemy was sure no crime under Roman law. Caesar blasphemed God, calling himself divine, while the Jewish priests and rulers accused Jesus of the same. So, Pilate was simply acknowledging that the Jews recognized no King with divine right to rule them other than Ceasar - Jesus was ordered crucified with a sign to at least publicize the fact that the Jews and their leaders asserted on that day that they wanted no King - only Ceasar.

So when were Catholics taught by God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to distrust that God in three persons can work in a unified way through and with a secular judicial system, equally well as he can work through the members of SOLT and His Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church? I think they were never thus taught. Do we doubt His power? Do Americans distrust God? If someone truly did have civil or criminal allegations to bring against Fr. Corapi, then why not simply file them in the appropriate court and provide the full disclosure? Instead, the allegations were sent in personal letter to SOLT - obviously an attempt to slander the reputation Fr. Corapi has worked so hard to protect - not merely his own, but that of SOLT and the Church.

Websites assert some anonymous members of SOLT were given some information, but until the civil court demands disclosure by SOLT as to who really provided it and for what intended purpose, that religious order also has no credibility in any Court - not even the International Court. As a religious order it is apparently already deemed guilty of criminal negligence and is paying fines with respect to some of it's previous members. Where is the proof that emails and texting or "sexting" were actually sent by Fr. Corapi? So what if he has retained and wisely maintained investments for honest profit in a business developed largely from the talents God gave him? Doing so does not negate his vows unless he uses wealth he doesn't need for purpose destructive of the Church. Quite the opposite seems to be true - the civil case he has filed is the evidence. He is not dead yet - and no one has a right to write slander about him, or see his last will and testament before he is dead - not even his god-daughter or her husband. So what if he co-habited with a woman or even several women at various times since he was ordained a Priest? If no one is willing to swear an oath in Court confessing they were "sexting" or having sex with Father Corapi, why should SOLT believe any so called "informant" willing only to testify to them in "private"? Jesus didn't fall for that sort of nonsense - he read their minds and said let anyone who has never sinned throw the first stone. He made the point that saying even a false word of accusation is like attempting a murder. He allowed himself to be raised up on a cross to die for ALL our sins. And God knew that would happen from the beginning - he knew no one would be willing during the Roman rule of the known world, to admit publicly in a court who He truly was, is and always will be - the only begotten Son of God. Pilate's wife in all probability was warned in a dream about Jesus, and did tell her husband, but Pilate himself did not grant even his own wife sufficient status in the Roman court to testify about an apparently Jewish man for whom he could not find any census record!

Politically derived Judicial systems around the world all continue to lose credibility every time a wrongful arrest results in accusations withdrawn, or a wrongful conviction is overturned in appeal, or a miscarriage or obstruction of justice is exposed. SOLT apparently does not have financial resources to support Fr. Corapi, but it has done itself dis-service by even asserting to Fr. Corapi that it gained credible private information. If the information it gained is worthy of telling him, it is worthy of making it public for everyone to hear or read - because personal attacks do hurt everyone, even the perpetrator, eventually. I can have no respect for a Judge, nor a Bishop, nor even a Pope who thinks himself above criminal and canon law prohibiting slander and libel. If what has been stated in press releases is true, then SOLT must show integrity to publicize not only the allegations, but also the evidence given with affidavit by oath sworn on the entire Canon of the Holy Bible. If not, then SOLT should admit to the sin of bearing false witness to Father Corapi and the rest of the Church.

Why? Because any other Professional ethics organization would be similarly compelled to act in the greater public interest, with charges of sexual harassment, if not fraud for tax evasion or anything else that can be proven beyond doubt. Because in criminal matters of personal offence, it is not sufficient to establish intent on a balance of probabilities! Because ordinary Catholics who are not bound by the Sacrament of Holy Orders, can not depend on Police or the courts in their countries to protect them from harm - they can only depend on God and the human right to self-defence. Because no one who is innocent of crime, should have to suffer torture to death, in silence alone, since Jesus already paid that price for all of us sinners.

Perhaps God has ordained that Church really does not need a society of "our lady of the trinity" to persist. Perhaps God doesn't really want Father Corapi to work for the Church on earth any more. God does not have "needs" - He is sufficient unto Himself. He loved the entire world so much He gave up His body and blood for it. The Church does need God, and God wants all redeemed members of His Church to worship only Him and obey His commandments. Did this accuser confront Fr. Corapi? Did two or more of them honestly confront him like Jesus told his disciples to do and as His true Apostles did when finding any brother or sister had sinned against them? God's Church is still alive and growing just as surely as Father Corapi will always be a Priest. The Church, however, is still as dependent on earth for money as a means of exchange to maintain it's properties to provide charitable services with the Sacraments identically as when Jesus gave His own human life up to bring it into existence. Like any other global or international corporate organization, it still has to render it's taxes, or pay fines no differently than Jesus and his disciples had to pay the temple tax, or pay merchants fees to provide them with food and wine and a place to eat and drink it. God Bless Fr. Corapi!

This is truly disturbing. Why doesn't Father Corapi get the same benefit of the doubt that the Bishops gave child molesters. Why instead of handling this matter in a manner befitting of a man who has brought the message of the Gospel of Christ into millions of homes, does the Bishop and SOLT release press statements about the allegations of a disgruntled employee.Why did the Bishop put pressure on SOLT to come to guilty verdict and then release that information immediately. With all the priests that have commited felonies this rush to judgement is a first. Father Corapi is allowed to do what he wants with his money. He is a lay priest and did not take a vow of poverty. He also was providing funding for SOLT. Father Corapi has never asked anyone for a dime.He has the right to sell dvds. Did you know prior to this scandal the Bishop tried to get Corapi to hand over his money. Also the allegations were made by a woman that Corapi fired. Even if the allegations were true why would public humiliation be a first action. And finally SOLT in their own press release said that they believed Fr Corapi brought the suit against the diocese and the woman to keep witnesses from testifying. So either they forced witnesses to beak non discloser agreements or they found Fr Corapi guilty without any witnesses.