Former Father Alberto Cutié resurfaces debate on whether Catholic priests should take a vow of celibacy

Popular Catholic priest Alberto Cutié, even nicknamed Father Oprah, recently made the decision to leave his home in the Catholic church after admitting to a sexual relationship with a woman.  Months earlier, he had approached an Episcopalian church in the Miami area, where he resides, about being an Episcopalian priest.  He was greeted with open arms and standing ovations yesterday (May 31, 2009), as he took the podium for the first time as an Episcopalian priest where the vow of celibacy is not required.

I am not Catholic, but I have often wondered about the vow of celibacy for priests.  It seems unnatural to forbid yourself from any contact with women even in the name of God.

Do you think Catholic priests should take a lifetime vow of celibacy?

Do you think that taking the vow of celibacy attributes to deviant behavior amongst Catholic priests?

CBS Early Show– Father Alberto Cutié, explains his recently exposed love affair.

from CNN– CNN’s Rick Sanchez And Miami CBS & FOX Station Report: Photos released of a Miami priest [Father Albert Cutie]. He’s supposed to be celibate, but the pictures show him getting very cozy with a woman on a South Florida beach. Father Alberto Cutie is now on leave as the church tries to figure out how to deal with this scandal. Parishioners are shocked by these photos showing their priest, Father Alberto Cutie, locked in a loving embrace with a brunette on the beach. The pictures, from TV Notas magazine and obtained by the Miami Herald, were reportedly taken on Miami Beach in February.

from CNN- CNN’s Rick Sanchez Reports: Father Alberto Cutie Joins Episcopal Church Leaves Catholic Church – 05/28/09