Wow.  You know, I was really upset that he was taken off Relevant Radio, but it just goes to show that the wisdom of God—acting through the Holy Spirit in the Church—is much deeper than I could ever understand.  I’m humbled, and grateful for her guidance.

Whoops! And by “her” I mean the Church, not God (who is a Him).

It is obvious that Bishop has his mind made up - and what grounds did Fr Corapi have to stand on if most of the facts were kept from him.  There are many lay evangelists out their doing good work, and with John Corapi’s gift of the Holy Spirit in his previous ministry (by the fruits you will know) he will now be able to continue to reach and help people to come back or further fall in love with our wonderful church and faith…he could have been waiting forever for the Bishop to come to some conclusion, and to allow him to teach again….so now he is saving both his time and the Bishop’s time in proceeding….in the end I am sure the truth will come out - but do know that Father Corapi would have made a powerful enemy in the devil for all his teachings and for all the people he brought into and kept in the fold and that the devil will pull out all the stops to shut him down…thankfully Our Lady the one who steps on the head of the seprant has had Her eye on John Corapi from the beginning.

Another commenter on another blog pointed out that by removing himself from the process and the hierarchy’s responsibility - Corapi has stopped the investigation.

Clever.

2 points:

1) Any follower of Corapi’s career would not be surprised by this.  He has always been a self-aggrandizing lone ranger. that never ends well.  I am surprised that no media outlet has ever researched and examined his big claims about his pre-priesthood life. I’ve never believed much of it. 

2) From the “about” page at the new website:

“He launched a blog-site: www.TheBlackSheepDog.us to allow his fans to begin establishing a ‘home’ where they can be in touch with him, directly.  A member from his media team shared “this is a very exciting move for John and his fans, as for the first time, in a long time, John will be directly in touch with this fan-base by way of social networks.”

Fans?

Fan-base?

Really?

Lorianne - is that the way apostles and evangelists talk?

This isn’t about due process. It’s about Corapi wanting to continue his lifestyle and make money.

No matter how they worded it he would be critisized…if they said his followers people could have interpreted that wrong.  All his teachings I have heard or writings I have read, have always been faithful to the teachings of the church….I am willing to give him a chance to see what his future teachings are prior to condemning him.  But now as an individual who will be having a ministry he has to market himself - and needs a spot where people who are interested in his new venture can learn more….we all should spend our energy praying for the church and patience and tolerance with those who are trying to do good even if it isn’t the way we would…our beautiful Catholic faith is being attacked daily by non-catholics, Catholics don’t need to add to the attack.  Blessings

No matter how they worded it he would be criticized…
if they said his followers people could have interpreted that wrong. 
All his teachings I have heard or writings I have read, have always been faithful to the teachings of the church….I am willing to give him a chance to see what his future teachings are prior to condemning him. 
But any individual who with a ministry who wants to reach people has to market himself - and since he is no longer on EWTN or affiliated with his order he needs a spot where people who are interested in his new venture can learn more….
we all should spend our energy praying for the church and patience and tolerance with those who are trying to do good even if it isn’t the way we would…our beautiful Catholic faith is being attacked daily by non-catholics, Catholics don’t need to add to the attack.  Blessings

One can never know all the details. One thing is certain is that the process to deal with allegations is flawed. How can one be presumed guilty before having an opportunity to show innocence? Fr. Corapi has always stood for what is right and if this is his way to correct a wrong, so be it. I just hope he continues to “preach” in a way that is permissible under his status. Prayers to him and all involved. The Church has lost an invaluable tool for the conversion of souls :*(

If Corapi’s claims of past drug abuse and mental illness are in fact true I cannot help but wonder if he perhaps relapsed? And as far as I am concerned priests should not claim to have “fans”.  It seems a bit delusional.  To comment upon the image of Corapi’s “black sheep dog” might I add the observation of sheep in the right eye and wolves in the left in relation to the viewer. Sheepdogs attack wolves, does he view the Bishops as wolves if not them who?  Given my suspicion of delusion I can only hope that his intent for combat is metaphorical only. Disturbing…

I am very worried about Fr. Corapi right now. His new website is diabolical looking, with the wolf eyes and the “f you” next to the right eye (may be a coincidence, but hard to imagine he didn’t notice it!).

He may be in a very bad place spiritually and needs our prayers.

Totally agree with you John on his needing our prayers and Masses.  In regards to the Face book and You tube symbols at the top, he may be relying at the moment on his web people (not saying that’s a good thing) The symbol isn’t my favorite but it is in the infant stages, and I am sure it will evolve..we will help by providing the prayers and the Masses.  You know a situation like this is always sad - I am sure both sides think they are doing the right thing

I think you underestimate how desperate the Catholic Church is for priests, Jimmy. The Church lets ANYONE continue as a priest unless they’ve abused children or stolen money, basically. Heck, some dioceses even continue to pay laicized priests an “alimony” of sorts, apparently. And all manner of priests involved in scandals or whatever, though they may be “quieted” by being removed to some clerical position away from public ministry…are always retained rather than expelled for all but the most egregious crimes. Just look at Fr Pfleger. Heck, Fr Euteneuer is still a priest supported by the Church albeit not publicly. The Church has a way of “keeping it all in the family.” I think that’s institutionally sick; you should be able to sack these guys much easier. But that IS how it works. Were Fr Corapi to apologize and fully submit, he’d be welcomed back, though probably not allowed to do his whole public preaching thing. But they’d still support him on OUR dime. It is the CUSHIEST bureaucracy in the world, there is no doubt.

Based on what Fr. Corapi stated about the ” process”, it seems that the Bishops involved weren’t cooperating with Church process, doctrine or Canon law.  Fr. Corapi has talk about the unjust process towards many priests falsely accused over his twenty years in the priesthood and realized the Bishops wield too much power to fight against.  Maybe he feels he’ll be able to influence change more effectively by being on the outside in hope of helping future priests from facing similar injustices by a church process that sees all priests as guilty until proven innocent when allegations are made against them.

Fr. Corapi was always self-supported thru his for-profit media company that was approved by the founder of his order when he first started his public ministry.  Maybe some Bishops outside his order wanted a bigger piece of his media pie.  He did provide donations to his SOLT order, not the other way around.

I had not watched Fr. Corapi much prior to this, but I had heard him much admired and spoken of fondly by Catholics whom I respect and admire—from the little I’d seen, I’d have guessed he was deeper than your average joe-Catholic—meaning I would think that he’d be open to a silent suffering at the hands of the Church. 

I sympathize with any hierarchical bungling or personal animosity Fr. Corapi may have been dealing (or may still be dealing) with—but I sympathize with Martin Luther as well—but I think Martin Luther should have stayed in the Church and followed “blessed are the meek” as well as continuing to hunger and thirst for righteousness.  The idea that the Church does us the most favors when she persecutes us (an idea easily taken out of context as sick, but able to be taken IN context in the cases of St. Padre Pio, and others who were refined in self-love and obedience through such trials, in which they stuck it out for love of Christ, without compromising their faith) makes me think that refusal of such trials, and refusal with it to honor one’s own vows, supposedly because of the conduct of others, seems to me petty and worldly.  What can release a religious and a priest from his vows? 

I do not judge Fr. Corapi personally because I do not know him and even if his behavior be sinful “there am I but for the grace of God”—but what I DO wonder is whether we can say some OBJECTIVE things about the need to be faithful to your vows, no matter the climate.  To me, the issue here is not whether we are called to judge Fr. Corapi’s personal guilt or innocence in the allegation, or his good or bad will in leaving the priesthood—but whether or not that choice to leave is a viable choice.  My understanding is that it is not—that accepting and vowing to be faithful to a vocational call from God (like the priesthood—ordination leaves a peramanent character on the soul) means, like marriage, that you stick it out through thick and through thin, for better-or-for-worse.  My patron saint for confirmation was St. Padre Pio—and while I could speculate on the great good he might have done had he not been falsely accused and suppressed for many years (God STILL used him to touch and help MANY), I will not wish that trial had not happened, because God has drawn such immense good out of it, for him and for the Church, and given a holy example of long-suffering, faithfulness, and obedience.  God will draw good out of it here and now, too, I pray.  However, with Padre Pio, there was a willingness to suffer that, if it is present in Fr. Corapi, was not in my belief well articulated by his video.

About the use of the word “fan”. I’m a fan of Father Corapi. I am a fan of Mother Angelica. Does that make me a fanatic or something?

I listen to Catholic radio when I want to get more angry than I already am. Most all of it is so atrocious. I listened to Corapi, of course, because Catholic radio’s idea of the best in Catholic thinking is Bishop Sheen and Corapi and the guy from Buffalo. It is hard to listen to this.
Anyway, I liked what Corapi had to say but I also recognized a person who was horrible self-centered, if not delusional.I particularly resent him saying that the Blessed Mother appeared to him as a child. But…he did have some power of pursuasion and some thoughts that helped me. I knew he was a phony from word go but I didn’t realize how bad it was.
Here is the thing. This is a guy who needs and, always has, attention. He is not a bad man but his success took that need and its attendant destruction of other people’s need (folks were really drawn to the truths he fell upon) to such a seductive height that he fell. This is nothing new. Everybody does this, in one way or the other.
He has helped me now, in his fall, more than he ever did in his success. His plight is so obvious. Without the church, he is nothing. His most sincere statements were about his joy at being a priest.
He is a lost man and may turn out, still, to be a very good one.

It amazes me how many in the community can be so skeptical of Bishops, who are leading the church.  Fr. Corapi seems to be one of them leading the charge.  Sure, there may be some out there who have fallen away from the Lord, but I am sure most of them are committed to leading the Church according to God’s will.

This whole event reminds me of Dale Fushek, a former Catholic priest from the Diocese of Phoenix.  He is a perfect test case showing what happens when pride dominates humility.  As many of you may already know, he was accused of misconduct, then after many years of litigation, he started his own faith community.  He has since been excommunicated and laicized.  I listened to a radio broadcast talking about the scandal and his own autobiography and he said that under the current leadership of the church, he would not come back to the church or the priesthood if was given the chance.  I am afraid that Fr. Corapi is going down the same path where he feels His ministry is more important than the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church.

At first I thought Fr. Corapi made this decision because he needs to continue to make a living.  However his blacksheepdog.us blog site stated that he earned over 2million from a lawsuit that he filed against a surgeon who held that he needed surgery when in fact he didn’t.

Keep your eyes fixed on Christ.  Cling as close as you can to Him in the Sacraments.  Life is about Christ who is “the way, the truth, and the life.” If we continue learn how to think and pray for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, He will lead us through His church.  Don’t abandon the bark of St. Peter.

I don’t want to know the details of the investigation.  I just think I’ll pray for him, pray for other priests, and pray for our country. Happy Father’s Day.

I have noticed this in the comments sections on other regarding this story. As I too made it a point to view Corapi’s lectures especially while return home the Catholic church, I don’t know who this man is now and I am bother by those who have been so quick to defend Corapi and instead blame the process and even worse, hold the Bishops as accountable as he’s the one causing all this. I never knew Corapi to deal out the victim card towards himself, yet perhaps it is true that process for handling accusation against our priests is flawed and perhaps there is some friction against Corapi. But no of us know the entire story and why certain events were stalled or what have you. So as much as Corapi defenders wish to stand behind him, please do not do so by attacking the bishops because in the end Corapi abandoned his flock! He chose to be this Black Sheep Dog when he took vows to be a shepherd and obidient to the Bishops.
I will pray for Corapi and how something profound does happen to steer him back, yet I never could imagine Fr Phleger actually submitted and remains a priest yet Corapi jumped ship! I can’t help but picture him doing some guest appearance on Alberto Cutie’s new TV show.
Oh I wish ArchBishop Fulton J Sheen was still physically here with us! Fortunately the church has many faithful men like him and we must pray for them and thank out Lord for them.

I really don’t know what is going on, but claiming that he has abandoned his priesthood doesn’t seem to be warranted from the few facts we know.  My assumption when I read his statement was that his priestly faculties had been suspended by his bishop and he was not to function publicly as a priest—no sacraments, no clerical garb, no title of “Father.”  Such an interpretation is, IMHO, consonant with the facts as we know them and with his statement. 

As for “Black Sheepdog” it struck me as being a somewhat whimsical way of saying that he’s being called a black sheep but he’d rather be a sheepdog—someone who assists the Shepherd.  Since he can’t be a shepherd (a priest) he will function as he is able to, which is basically what he said.

Obviously this is all conjecture, but it seems to me to a) make sense and b) be much more charitable than what you wrote as to his motivations and intent.  I guess we will see by his actions what happens next.

I think he is a hurt man. He has spoken on the injustice of the current system of practice regarding scandals, speaking of abuses of these new processes. Then it came home to roost.

No one was listening. Now he may have been falsely accused. If this is so, it was too much for him.

I find the Blacksheepdog routine a bit unsettling.

However, I find the secret evidence and accuser process of Canon Law even more unsettling.

Jimmy, thank you for this analysis. It is indeed sad, because the sacramental mark of ordination is *forever,* and Fr. John has missed an opportunity to live out Christ’s passion in front of us. That is, at all times, a priest is called to be a living example of Christ to the rest of us, but Fr. John’s words and actions in this matter are not in keeping with that.

ISN’T a PRIEST ALWAYS A PRIEST FOR LIFE?

EVEN IF HE HAS LEFT THE PRIESTHOOD HE IS STILL A PRIEST….

SOME ECCLESIASTICAL HELP HERE PLEASE.

Padre Pio has already shown us how this path is to be traveled. Obedience.  Fr Corapi needs our prayers now.

Jimmy, you seem to have an agenda in your analysis of Fr Corapi’s statement and the direction he has chosen. It even sounds like you have a strong feeling against him…which is sad! Are you ignorant of the many priests who have been victimized by the ‘new’ church policy on abuse or are you plainly overlooking this reality. Fr Corapi hasn’t changed one bit. In fact, he is demonstrating the same ‘fight’ he has always shown in his many years as a preacher…as he goes forwarded…NOT waiting for the church to decide his fate in its own ‘indefinite’ time frame. I believe his choice to fight on is going to benefit the church itself in the long run…and may fellow priests as well…more than any priest who ever has been falsely accused!!!

Aha! Jimmy - or should I say “Mark” -  do you think that maybe the bishop of Corpus Christi Texas has lost it as well? What is worse, a priest who has lost it or a bishop who has lost it and continues to exercise his power??

And what of the accuser?  Has she lost it? Hmmm.. she just might be having a good laugh right now… except she didn’t get the money she wanted….

I for one singlehandedly credit Father Corapi and the Blessed Mother for my return to the Church.  There are undoubtedly many things going on behind the scenes, probably for years, that none of us could possibly be aware of.  Imagine how tired he must be!  I’m looking forward to his book, and I will continue to pray for him, and listen to him in whatever outlet he chooses.

From reading this article, I thought there might be something deeper, murkier beneath the surface of the allegations. The tone implies that Fr. Corapi is taking a dishonorable route. But, after reading his own comments, I draw a much different impression. He seems resigned to the fact that the process of clearing his name would necessarily tarnish the accuser, something that he refuses to cooperate with. It is easy to see his frustration in dealing with the bureaucratic nature of the institution. And, had his attitude been one of rebellion and scorn towards the Church, I would agree with the author. But that doesn’t seem to be his attitude at all. He still loves and supports Holy Mother Church, and feels that he can contribute more as a member of the laity. In a day and age where the Church, and every institution in fact, is plagued by scandals, maybe he is right. I will continue to support him. But, my humble advice is to drop this black sheep dog moniker, and pick a new name for a new ministry that will lift up and support the Church. From the outside, or from the inside, he can still make a meaningful contribution and should redefine his role ala Patrick Madrid, Scott Hahn, etc.

I don’t understand the difference of being suspended indefinitely from priestly function and being subjected to an ill defined “church process” that seems arbitrary and just leaving the priesthood.  He would have a better chance with secular courts. I’m not sure if Jimmy is aware of the extent of corruption of those behind his suspension, especially those bishops who have aided and abetted real homosexual abusers of church’s children.

Jimmy Akin sounds like he’s lost it in this vapid attempt at an opinion piece.

Corapi explained why he refers to himself as a sheep dog and, now, a black sheep dog. It’s both amusing

For Akin to react as if there is something perverse about this in an attempt to estrange people from Corapi is slimy, backhanded slander.

Surely there are floors in some church hall that can be mopped - a task that Akin might be able to handle.

This BlackSheepDog looks like an evil image? ?

Didn’t the Bishops try the same thing with Mother Angelica and EWTN some years ago?  How much confidence do we really have in our bishops with all that has gone on in the past 20 years.  You know what I mean!

I always had a nagging suspicion concerning Mr. Corapi since hearing him brag about his past dissolute life and having a red Ferrari before Magnum PI.
He has chosen mammon again and certainly needs prayer.

You mean he couldn’t confess his sin(s) and be forgiven?

While I hope that the allegations against Father Corapi will be proven false (more for the Church’s sake than Father Corapi’s), I have to say that I am not surprised by his actions.  While he always preached the truth, there was always an underlying (...actually overt) hubris in his preaching that I could never get past.  There were too many changed details about his life and too many unbelievable situations that he found himself in with an ever present conspiratorial tone.  Have any of the celebrities that he claimed to party with ever come forward?  Have any of the rich and famous ever spoken about the John Corapi that they knew and what a bad boy he was before his conversion?  To my knowledge… No.  Now after close 20 years of hearing him preach, I feel vindicated in my doubts. 

Now he is a schismatic.  The Black Sheep dog.  HA!

The Bishop should have moved faster on the verdict-convict or vindicate. He still can.

Father Corapi should have shown more tolerance and waited. Suffereing of this nature does improve us all.

Both the Bishop and Father Corapi should reconcile publicly. Forgive and forget.

We all should all be glad to have this behind us. Now you two!

I really liked (former) Fr. Corapi, and I totally understand his point about “innocent before proven guilty”, but this is no way to bring about change. 

Jesus didn’t stop halfway along the Way of the Cross and announce “Forget this. I’m being falsely accused, so I’m out!” and then vanish!  He allowed himself to be crucified by a creation that cannot even begin to comprehend His power!

(Former) Fr. Corapi, I am disappoint.

A decision had to be made.  Several months have passed with little progress.  Father is aging and the work he does was on hold at a very important time in our church.  Father has stepped on many toes as he spoke the truth.  Of course some of the hierachy of the church wanted him muzzled.  We need to pray for him and appreciate the beauty of his gifts instead of fine tuning his decision.  We’ll never be privileged to know the truth as he was unable to defend himself.  This is a crime in itself.  Such are the consequences of false allegations.  Our world has changed.

I did not get involved in Fr. Corapi’s situation except through prayer but after listening to his rambling statement, his not so subtle criticisms of the Church and Bishops, he is revealing himself for who he really is…spoiled, bragging about his past as a way to draw people in - perhaps it didn’t start that way but he shows no humility whatsoever…I personally know a Pastor who was accused of sexual abuse…we all knew he was innocent…the Pastor said nothing to defend himself beyond the statement that he was innocent…he did not badmouth the accuser…he went off and stayed in a Monastery praying - he was found to be innocent by all - legally and throughout the Parish and was restored as Pastor…Fr. Corapi keeps contradicting himself about his accuser…and he is incredibly mean-spirited towards the Church and Bishops…he should go away and pray…

Jimmy Akin writes: ““Black sheep” is obviously a common English idiom for a member of a group ... who either has fallen from grace or who is regarded by members of the group as having fallen from grace. That fits Fr. Corapi’s status given the sexual misconduct allegations against him.”

That’s amazing. So without knowing the first fact about anything in this ordeal, Mr. Akin implies that the allegations against Fr. Corapi are true and that Fr. Corapi has fallen from grace and so he’s the “black sheep” of the Church. Wow.

Hate to break it to you, Jimmy, but “black sheep” is a metaphor for ORTHODOX PRIESTS like Corapi, who are unwelcome by many if not most in the Church.

This is all nothing more or less than an assault by Satan and his minions against a faithful priest. Just as forces within the Church tried to shut down Mother Angelica and EWTN years ago, so too today they are trying to shut down orthodox priests like Fr. Corapi.

I just read a comment where someone said that Fr. Corapi’s website is diabolical looking…I thought I was imagining things but when I saw it, I made the sign of the cross over it…and prayed the ‘crux sacra’ of St. Benedict…please readers…pray for Fr. Corapi but do not follow him - pray for him! but do not follow him!!!

The vast majority of Amchurch bishops knowingly give the Body and Blood of Christ to homosexualists and abortionists. You think any of them want Fr. Corapi around? Think.

‘Non serviam’ comes to mind.  That’s never a good thing.  It all seems so sad and diabolical…right down to the new ‘logo’ w/the wolves & the sheep and the ‘f you’ conveniently placed by the right eye.  And the ‘Ordination Anniversary Sale’...?!  That just blows me away!.  The ordination of priesthood reduced to nothing more than a marketing strategy to make more money?!  I’m not trying to attack Fr. Corapi - I love him too - the old Fr. C.  But there’s something terribly wrong going on here…and it’s not the bishops or SOLT.  Fr. could have practiced what he preached and through obedience, humility and redemptive suffering….waited it out…If he is innocent it would have been easy to do. But pride goes before the fall.  I don’t know if the allegations are true..And I’m not sure it matters.  My own opinion/observance is that love of money, celebrity status, a compound in Montana, personal trainers, and motorcycles is the root of most of this.  I have enjoyed his talks for years and have seen a change in him. Anyone who has followed his talks has had to have seen the change since around 2009 - not just in appearance -but in what he says.  Again, I love Fr. C and he is in trouble, spiritually.  We should all pray very hard.

If you believe his bio, after all he said he went through, he leaves him Mother Mary and Jesus after 3 months?  A bit odd. I think he either wanted to leave for awhile or he was asked to leave or things would get out. Or maybe none of those things, but definitely odd. I just hope the truth he had to speak before (or he would lose his spot on EWTN)doesn’t change with his new tours.

No idea what he was thinking. I am very disappointed.

I can say, he will be in my Rosary and Mercy Chaplet every day from now on.

Speaking as someone who was accused (and when the matter was reviewed, shown to be falsely accused and cleared) of wrongdoing of a non-sexual nature by someone who was ‘troubled’, I want to sympathize with him. But the Church is bigger than Fr. Corapi. Whichever way he chooses to go, I for myself must choose the Church, always and in all things.

Whatever the case may be he needs our prayers.  His judge is not of this earth. Pray the rosary for him.

ugh! people please calm down, Fr. Corapi is not the first Priest to have a problem with the Church, and he will not be the last.  We need to pray for ALL Priests.  Oh and Please put away the Padre Pio banner of obedience. There are different Bishops and different administrative process’ in the Church today then there was when Padre Pio had his own problems with the Church. Coming from a Diocese who endured two Bishops in a row removed for sexual misconduct, I know (too well) the difference between the Holiness of the Church and the sins of her children.  I also know that there is a small number of Bishops who do not have the best interests of the Church in mind (through witnessing their actions). So Please end all the diabolical talk there is something much more important (although less ‘sexy’)to focus on here.  I want to hear more about this seemingly unjust process Priests must endure to stay ‘obedient’ to the Church. Jimmy - I would LOVE to see you break down Fr. Corapi’s list of the ‘surprising’ ways Bishops treat accused Priests.  Is it true that in order to cooperate with the Church’s investigation process, he would have to relinquish ALL of his civil rights?

John Corapi obviously loves God and the Catholic Church. His seemingly impetuous action makes me sad but is somewhat understandable in the sense that anyone who’s been falsely accused would want to proclaim his innocence loudly. All I know is that I’m a stronger Catholic today, thanks to John Corapi’s preaching. I’ve been watching his programs since before Confirmation more than two years ago. I will continue to pray for him and wish him the best.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/06/15/an_innocent_priest_dies_of_a_broken_heart/?camp=misc:on:twit:rtbutton
Jimmy, please read the above link first. I am no fan, follower or otherwise of John Corapi, but this whole thing looks similar to situations I’ve seen professionally where a “deep pockets” figure was accused of misdeeds in a shakedown. Only priests have no right to know who accused them, what they are accused of, the status of investigation and no rights of recourse for wrongs done under the USCCB policy currently in effect.
We know that the sexual abuse crisis leaves many victims. Some of them are innocent priests.
Also, I believe your interpretations of the symbolism of the Black Sheepdog are in error. I was the black sheep of my family for a long time, not because I did anything wrong, except get married and stay married for almost 40 years.

He just got tired of having sex while hiding.

Boy— how fickle the crowd is in the journey from Palm Sunday to Good Friday.  But eventually we always get to Easter.

As a protestant pastor in the process of ending my ministry (in mid-life), I too am faced with family and friends deriding me, calling me selfish and delusional, self-aggrandizing, and so forth.  They are trying to read nefarious motives into my decision - don’t care about supporting my family, seeking my own self-interest and not the church’s, etc.

Unfortunately, few people who’ve never been in a position of discerning not only their call TO ministry but FROM ministry don’t understand the depths of the struggle nor the, sometimes seemingly exaggerated, profoundness of such a decision.  When laying your life at the disposal of the Master, and being serious about it, one realizes that there may be times you are being called to do things and move in ways that seem absurd to the world (and yes, even Catholic and church insiders think like the world sometimes) - but they are so deeply consistent with our calling, or being, our mission that we, like Paul, cannot help but follow (and proclaim)

For whatever reason, Jesus calls some people to walk these very strange roads - after wandering away through the mud and trenches of a sin-filled life he calls us back to a ministry of proclaimation, only to find out some years later that even THAT period was one of preparation for the next ministry and direction he decides he needs us in.  If someone DOESN’T discuss or share what sin they experienced, what struggles they faced in their life before being reconciled to Christ and called into the ministry, they’re accused of being deceptive and hiding things.  If they share them with a matter-of-factness and celebration in the power and glory of God’s reconcilliation, then they are accused of bragging and hubris and worldliness.  To what did Jesus comparre this generation?  To children crying in the marketplace “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.  We played funeral for you but you did not mourn.”

I don’t know what Fr. Corapi did and didn’t do, but I doubt he has fallen off the wagon or relapsed into his psychological issues.  I believe in the power or regenration - it happens at baptism and, as with the prodigal son, when we come back to our right mind.  I believe he has made a tough but honest, heart-wrenching decision - and it will shock people because he was (and always will be) a fantastic, solid, godly priest.  The fruit of his work DID indeed heal souls, bring back the lost sheep, and even if he was a sheep dog he was black because certain individuals rejected him because of the truth—yes, it even happens within the Church.  He is even the vehicle by which Christ reached out to me and brought me hom.

And why should anyone be offended by that?  Only because we ourselves are jealous or ashamed of something.  Did Mary appear to him and serve as part of God’s method of keeping him alive and bring him back?  Why not?  I know she is one of the key players Christ used in keeping me alive and bringing me home—even though she did not appear to me.  Why not?  That’s up to God to know, not me.

Jimmy, on a personal note, I usually love your commentaries.  But I’m disappointed in you this time.  I have no idea of what’s going on with you, I don’t even know you so I cannot assign a motive, but what I HEAR in this piece sounds more like a personal demon your excising than a reasoned response to a apparetnly tragic, but truly difficult decision - and one that really does not surprise me either - becasue God’s ways are not our ways.

I cannot believe the depth of the ignorance of the evil powers that be in the heirarchy of the Catholic church as I read some of these posts! It is the bishops who live the high life and are crazed with power, as Fr Corapi alluded to pehaps too carefully! Stop judging please! Open your eyes and see the coruption in the church that this holy priest is standing up to by his very painful departure from his beloved priesthood! I can’t wait to see where he takes his ministry next!

I know, I know—before anyone says it—the same description about excising my own demons can be made about me and my writing.  So be it.

Besides, I forgot to point this out: Just because your good at something, or even been extremely effective at it, doesn’t mean that’s where God really wants you now and into the future.  We are in the ministry per the will of God and the Church, not ourselves, not our families, not our friends or enemies.  Following God’s will can, many times, look totally insane to the world.  So be it.

Preaching from a pulpit and living it are two entirely different things.
Anyone (as non-Catholic preachers have done also) can be a good preacher with the right delivery and voice, but how they live off the pulpit is what gets them in trouble.

This is why the Church needs stricter standards in accepting men to seminary and the priesthood.  As this case illustrates, any man who has any sort of psychiatric history should not be a candidate.  (It doesnt mean they’re a bad person or incapable of reaching heaven).  It really makes common sense in hindsight, doesnt it?

He should have been looking to St. (Padre) Pio as an example to follow in his suffering rather than Martin Luther. I say “shame on him.”

Father Corapi would often mention his dad’s advice to “Never quit.”  No matter what, never quit.  But isn’t Father Corapi quitting? 

I love Father Corapi, have many of his DVD’s and CD’s, and believe that his talks are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

This move of his just doesn’t make sense to me.  It seems to be a very premature move.  Why not patiently wait it out?  “Offer it up” as the nuns would say.

By leaving, doesn’t this prevent him from celebrating the Mass in private?  I assume he could still celebrate the Eucharist in private while on administrative leave.  But if he leaves and is laicized, he will not even be able to celebrate Mass in private.  Strange that he would give that up. 

Also, I agree that the new website is unsettling.

He truly needs our prayers.

What do these phrases mean?

“In fact, it may have chosen it some time ago, since in his statement he said that his autobiography, titled ‘The Black SheepDog?’

“Even moreso than the former.”

You know what makes me sick to my stomach?  All the people who say “I’m not surprised”.  I just think that’s so disgusting and so self-serving, “holier than thou”.  What’s truly disturbing is the “told you so” reactions made by those who seemingly enjoy watching a priest fall.  It’s ridiculous to read all the comments that say “I never liked his style” or “I’ve always been a skeptic”.  These people are on a mission to justify themselves in a particularly egregious way.

Honestly I think every article I’ve read on Corapi so far has really practiced a great deal of eisegesis towards hos statement.  Let me begin by saying that this whole idea of coming up with a moniker (the black sheep dog) and starting this website is very, very strange.  It definitely looks just off and weird.  However, I don’t think that Corapi’s statement really takes the nasty, “snarling” attitude so many have taken from it. It is not altogether full of humility, but it’s certainly not lacking in it. Most of the statement reads to me like a sorrowful, resigned look at his prospects of going along with the current process. Where I *do* see humility is precisely where Jimmy does not: in the statements to refrain from bothering the bishops. As bishops, Corapi says, they ought to be respected and not assaulted with our complaints. It’s hardly snarling. I also think it’s unfair to read his statement as an abandonment of the priesthood. Hes been attacked for this abandonment when in reality, al he’s said is that he’s not going to be serving in public ministry anymore. Those are two very different things.

The real problem with his critics so far is in that at one moment, theyre attacking Corapi for supposedly speaking ill of his accuser and throwing negative words his way, while in the next they’re criticizing him for refusing to provide any details of the case or is accusation. In Chesterton’s typical view, this reaction is proof positive he’s handling it precisely the right way.

Something is definitely off, because as I said his nickname, new website, selling off all his materials, etc. It does make him look bad and I’m really not sure what he’s thinking or trying to do. Part of his Wording even makes me think that it’s possible the accusation in this case is true, but certainly it’s no strong proof by any stretch. Nevertheless, I think he’s also being given a *very* unfair shake by the blogosphere so far. Here’s praying things go well, and go *holy*, for everyone.

OH MY GOODNESS!  Don’t even TRY to compare Fr. Corapi with Martin Luther.  When Luther didn’t like the stituation in the Church for him and his teaching, he BROKE fellowship with the Church but did not give up his priesthood.  He simply re-interpreted the priesthood to fit his agenda.  Fr. Corapi, on the other hand, is choosing to stay in fellowship with the Church, accept it for all its good and its flaws, and find his calling within the parameters of the Church itself. 

Quitting?  Maybe, if you take a narrow view of a calling.  (I’m not calling the priesthood narrow, but in an individual’s life it is one possible response to Christ, and Christ may call for new directions at new times).  But clearly his gift if teaching (which can be preaching, but doesn’t have to be officially) - he’s not quitting THAT.

From my experience as a chancery priest and having listened to his vidio statement I agree with Fr. corapi’s assessment .  If he continued to be quiet and wait he would be silent for ever; this seems like a good plan if you are the devil.

I’m sorry to see so many saying ” they always knew that he was too good to be true.”  I believe that grave injustices are committed against our priests, we have found many guilty, by their own admissions.  However many others are innocent and the “process” has so traumatized them that it may be likened to the modern equivalent of the Inquisition.

@Terry:  A priest is always a priest.  There is an indelible mark placed on his soul by the Holy Spirit.  However, he may lose his faculties.  A priest is an assistant to his bishop. He takes a vow of obedience to the bishop and is allowed to participate in the sacraments solely by the faculties granted thereby.  If he is laicized, his is still a priest, albeit a laicized one, but has no permission (faculties)to say Mass or any of the other sacraments.  No one can stop him from preaching to nay one who will listen, but he no longer has an ability to act “in persona Christi”.  Don’t know if this is the question you were asking or not. I offer it up for your edification.

Since tou asked, I think you are pompous and judgemental.  Someone doesn;t fit you little mold…so trash them

Rich

I love you, Jimmy, but your post makes me very uncomfortable. Perhaps I am still readjusting to the “real world” after returning from the peaceful oasis of Medjugorje. Here, upon returning, I am confronted by the Congressman Weiner scandal, the Casey Anthony murder trial, the smiling John Edwards mug shot, and Father Corapi’s Greek Tragedy. I just wish these matters could be handled by the proper authorities, without all the prejudicial rhetoric. (Though I know and respect that your job as a Catholic blogger is commentary.) That said, I do not blame Fr. Corapi for his statement. Perhaps, by reading the transcript, you took from it an angrier tone than the audio statement conveyed to me. You seemed to be finding vitriol from his words that I did not hear. However, I found his statement very logical and non-confrontational. Must we believe that either Corapi or the Church is acting with malice? Perhaps both are in a “Catch 22” situation in which each side loses, even with the best of intentions. Fr. Corapi suggests this in his statement (along with asserting that he has been wrongfully accused). Regardless, this is a terrible tragedy, personally, publicly and for the Church. I don’t want to pour rhetorical fuel on the bonfire. However, if in the future he attempts to undermine Church leadership as much as you seem to believe, then I will say, “Bring on the rhetorical gasoline!”

Most of us have been unjustly accused of things in our life - however; we have been taught by Jesus himself to bear all humbly, quietly and obediently.  Look at how Jesus reacted to His accusers! Look at many of the great Saints!  Please Father, use this horrible situation for holiness and not division - The days we are living in cry out for great and holy saints to come forward and lead others to the One Truth and to holiness, not to shephard souls away.  Please Blessed Mother, intercede for your Priest Son,Fr. Corapi, once again and free him from his errors.  Let us all commit to praying and fasting for this Priest and all Priests.

The “Black Sheep Dog” schtick is so immature! Oh, and while you’re at it…“BUY MY BOOKS!!...They are very special anniversary editions and we don’t know how long they’ll last so HURRY UP and BUY ONE NOW!!!” Sounds like a desperate, late night info-mercial, and his “fans” will eat it up, buy the books, and all, hook-line-and-sinker.

However, the image on the top of the page along with the “F” “You” on the top right corner is repulsive.

Proofreader needs to go through this article again. Couple of big errors.

And yes this is all very creepy. Prayers needed. And support for those who might be duped into following Corapi down this path. Very bad idea.

I think that Father Corapi believes that time is very short and he does not want to waste it in quiet defense of himself.  He probably has little patience for standing down while everything is going to heck around him.  He is filled with the Holy Spirit and would defend himself a la St. Paul in a second. He would suffer a stoning and get right back out in the trenches.  Father Corapi has always been a black sheep dog as a priest and before in his previous occupations.  He knows what is right, but has always done things differently.

Corapi HAS lost it. He should have stuck it out and remained a priest, no matter what happened (like Padre Pio and many other saints). Makes him look guilty to me. He’s been acting strange and self-centered. The dark tanning and dyeing his goatee black was not the act of a humble man. (actually made him look devilish)

I agree with Gordon Zaft in response to Jimmy’s attempt at psycho-analysis. I think it’s shameful how some of you are using blog comm boxes for gossip, speculation, and outright defamation. It is disappointing to see Jimmy engaging in it himself, which only encourages others to do the same. I’m only commenting here because someone linked to this blog on the discussion board that I moderate. I locked that thread to discourage postings like the ones I see here.

I agree with Father Andre St-Germain.  Anyone can be accused, especially the good people that has a lot of influence.  It happened in many places that good people were falsely accused, especially when they were bringing many people to the faith.  We should give a chance to the person accused , especially a person who gave many fruits in the Church.  There are people in this world with power that wants the Church to be down.  Why ?  Because without the Church they would have all the power.  If it is not Christ ruling in this world, it’s gonna be who has the money that rule.

Some people know the truth about what is going on and others are speculating.  Corapi did not lie when he said he did more for this woman and her signficant other than he has for anyone else.  In fact,he had gone over and above and when “they” didn’t like his straighforwardness on something “they” did wrong…the woman promised revenge.
These allegations in no way involve sexual miscondcut. 
The Catholic Church mishandled the sexual abuse cases - protecting bad priests- now they are mishandling this case- a good priest.
Corapi is a smart man who has an enormous love of God and the Blessed Mother.  He has been open from the beginning about his past, which allowed him to make us aware of the ways of Satan and how to covert to knowing God’s Word. He also stated, in numerous occasions,how many clergy never wanted to see him become a priest.  This is one priest who is speaking the TRUTH, in more ways than one, but he his dealing with a group of church leaders who are clueless in legal matters and happy to see him go. 
There are too many wishy washy priests who appease their parishioners.  Corapi is a leader of the Truth and perhaps he will reach other denominations as well as Catholics.  He will succeed- no matter what he chooses to do.
Another thought….perhaps our beloved leader is frustrated (he is a MAN first and foremost with feelings) with the way the Catholic Church is letting a “secular” issue be mishandled.  Perhaps he will go after this woman/couple in a civil suit for defamation of character and clear his name.  Remember, his love of God is first BUT he is also a savvy business man who can handle the likes of losers who think they have one up on him.  Corapi is upset BUT he is no fool.
My family and friends will follow him whereever he goes.  The man is amazing and deserves all the love and respect he has earned.

Corapi doesn’t know who is accuser is or what the accusation (s) was?

Please.

Folks - notice the subtle rhetorical shift in the letter.  He doesn’t say *he* doesn’t know any of that.  He jumps from his own situation to a general claim about the process. He doesn’t specifically say *he* has been subjected to any of that. 

Reading these comments - I think that the word “fans” and “fan base” is actually very descriptive.

Corapi is long overdue for a good juicy piece of investigative journalism - beginning with his claims about his past/then moving to some of claims he made while he was in active ministry - that he received death threats and so on - to the present situation.

I’m glad I read Fr. Corapi’s statement after reading the Akin article. My conclusions are totally different than the article’s.

While I wish Fr. Corapi had the humility and trust in God to “take his chances” and surrender his civil and canonical rights so a resolution can be made in his case, I’m not sure I see a clear statement that he plans to leave the priesthood. It’s true that he can no longer act as a priest until things are resolved (can’t call him “Father” right now?), but his statement did not hit me as defiant or rebellious as the Akin piece suggests. I see it as a statement of a hurt man who sees himself in limbo and butting against a stone wall.

I pray that God will intervene to bring this situation to a satisfactory conclusion. Fr. Corapi has waged war too long against those who think they know better than the church, so it would be the greatest sadness to see him join those ranks. He has exposed Satan’s wiles too long to allow Satan to take him as a prize.

As Fr. Corapi has said many times, “I’m not going to lose my soul for any thing or any body.” There have been too many people praying for him for that to happen, but Satan is chomping at the bit to devour this guy and scandalize the church for the many years Fr. Corapi has brought souls back to Christ.

I will double my prayers for him, and I refuse to draw the same conclusions that Jimmy Akin has.

Why is his priesthood ordination date May 26th on both of his websites yet he claims June 19 in this statement?

Jimmy, you are so typical….your soul sinks.

There is one part of this that few want to address, and we have seen it too many times… The accusations were hurting both his ego and profitability.  I have watched as his tone changed from one of reverence to one of arrogance.  It is like the old story of the frog being cooked.  If you toss a frog in boiling water, it will immediately jump out and live.  If you put a frog in cold water and slowly turn up the heat, it will stay and get cooked. Well, the temptation of the celebrity status has slowly but surely “cooked” the former holy man.  We have seen it too many times.  Luther is not the best example, but it does apply.  For a priest to think that he is better off outside of the church, his ego is out of control and Satan takes over.  There have been countless priests over the centuries that have endured false accusations, and they found better ways to express their concern.  However, they did NOT have the earning/money temptation that exists today!  I think that the first mistake was to allow any priest to be treated like a celebrity!  To allow any priest to have their own media company is too much of a distraction and temptation.  This all comes down to ego and money…two of the greatest tools of Satan…And it appears that Satan is gaining ground here.  We must be extremely careful to ensure that our loyalties lay in the right place…With the CHURCH, not any specific priest!!!  This is why the church has always tried to avoid any type of celebrity moniker…because pride always goes before the fall…

Let’s not forget that the devil’s intent is to slay the priesthood. Remember no priesthood, no Eucharist, no Eucharist no Incarnate Christ in the presence of bread and wine, no true presence, no Catholic Church, no Catholic Church, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, becomes memory,open to endless interpretation, with the truth unable to be passed on from generation to generation.
With that said, we Catholics have to step back and look at what Satan is doing to our priests. He’s removing the virile: Father Francis, Father Cutie, and now Father Corapi. In addition, our Church is becoming more and feminized, and the culture is becoming more and more accepting of homosexuality. In other words, men, whether they be priests or laity are under attack. Masculinity is under attack, the traditional man’s role is under attack. Satan wants masculinity to become extinct.
So when we pray, we must pray for masculinity to be preserved. For our men to be men, our priest to be priest.
It’s not by accident that the most masculine of priests: Cutie, Father Francis, Father Corapi are fallen away. Without the husband, the bride of Christ is weakened. Satan is clever, and Satan battles with all he has. The Church Militant must recognize the fight that we’re in—between principalities and powers. We must marshal all our resources and join with the Church Triumphant and the Church Suffering to defeat this rapacious enemy.

I’m noticing a lot of tu quoque and ad hominems being used on the part of the supporters of Fr. Corapi.  The thing is, regardless of whether the bishop in question is behaving rightly or wrongly (and i think it is Rash Judgment to accuse him at this point), it is irrelevant in terms of Fr. Corapi’s action.

To accuse these bishops of malice in their actions is terribly unjust, and even if it **were** true (which I do not grant without proof), it does not justify his actions.

The bashing of people who state Fr. Corapi is in the wrong, the bashing of those who have been entrusted with authority within the Church is something which is not at all justified.

Might he have been falsely accused? Of course. Do I know one way or the other? No. Is this 8 minute video strange? YES. Is the new website strange? YES. It is not uncharitable or nasty to say so. It is TRUE. We are expected to believe that, after a whole three months (!), Fr. Corapi has decided there is no other avenue for him but to go off on his own and “take his message to the world.” Huh?

Look, it’s true that men’s lives are being ruined by false accusations. It is unjust, it is uncharitable, it is unChristian, it should stop. But what happened to Fr. Corapi does not compare to, say, what happened to priests in Mexico in the early part of the 20th century, to what happened to priests in France during the Revolution (and subsequent revolutions) to what happened to priests in Spain under the communists, to what happened to priests in Germany under the Nazis, to what happened to priests in Poland under the Nazis AND the Communists… Life isn’t fair. But Fr. Corapi is acting as if he is the center of the universe. He’s not. CHRIST is the center of the universe. It is sad to watch this man crash and burn, but that is the only way I see to look at it. There is just too much weirdness about his response and not enough Christ.

Corapi is one of the reasons I took my faith seriously.  It really helped the Church that someone wasn’t argumentative or debating, but instead just said “here’s what the Church teaches. its right. if you don’t like it, that’s your problem.” That woke me up to the truth of the faith.  I was shocked when he was accused of sinful misconduct, even though it has always been SOOO vague on both sides about what he actually did. 
I was not surprised because anyone who is doing such good will be attacked: St. Pio of Petrilchina, St. Gerard Majella, Bl. Jacinta and Francesco of Fatima, St. Faustina, etc.  The difference is this: although the above saints suffered from false accusations in various forms, they all did something that is not happening with Fr. Corapi.  The difference is that they offered it up, and waited until God decided to clear their name for them.  St. Pio suffered quietly, St. Gerard didn’t even defend himself, the two children of Fatima were called liars UNTIL the miracle of the sun, St. Faustina was told by our Lord himself “You give me greater glory by a single act of obedience than by long prayers and mortifications.”
Many more saints than this testify from their lives that obeying and enduring suffering is how we achieve holiness. Holiness in the sight of God is worth more than all the praise of this world, and it is only important that God knows the innocence of an innocent priest than if the world knows. I’m not belittling the sufferings that priests go through because of recent times.  I’m only saying that Christ won the battle through obedience to the Father, and Corapi should have obeyed the authorities that God put in place.  Even unjust authorities are given respect in the Bible, and if you don’t believe me read the ENTIRE account between David (a man after God’s own heart) and Saul.  To summarize: Fr. Corapi has a right to be angry with the bishops and those who persecuted him, but this crown of thorns would be a crown of glory if he would have but trusted in the Lord and waited it out.

Let’s not forget that the devil’s intent is to slay the priesthood. Remember no priesthood, no Eucharist, no Eucharist no Incarnate Christ in the presence of bread and wine, no true presence, no Catholic Church, no Catholic Church, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, becomes memory,open to endless interpretation, with the truth unable to be passed on from generation to generation. With that said, we Catholics have to step back and look at what Satan is doing to our priests. He’s removing the virile: Father Francis, Father Cutie, and now Father Corapi. In addition, our Church is becoming more and feminized, and the culture is becoming more and more accepting of homosexuality. In other words, men, whether they be priests or laity are under attack. Masculinity is under attack, the traditional man’s role is under attack. Satan wants masculinity to become extinct. So when we pray, we must pray for masculinity to be preserved—for our men to be men, our priest to be priest. It’s not by accident that the most masculine of priests: Cutie, Father Francis, Father Corapi are fallen away. Without the husband, the bride of Christ is weakened. Satan is clever, and Satan battles with all he has. The Church Militant must recognize the fight that we’re in—between principalities and powers. We must marshal all our resources and join with the Church Triumphant and the Church Suffering to defeat this rapacious enemy.

@confused:  Because he was ordained on Trinity Sunday, which, depending on when Easter falls in the liturgical year, will be on different calendar days each year.  It just so happens it falls on the dame day as Father’s Day this year.

A guy like Jimmy, or Mark bring you back to the Catholic church? Or was it a guy like Fr. Corapi bring you back to the church?
We have many liberal bishops in the church who have made it weak through the years….it’s Fr. Corapi, Medjugorje that is revitaluzing the church in the trust sense .... And its people like Jimmy and all the other FLOGGERS out there that rip them apart.

Even Archbishop Bruskewitz refuses to go along with the unfair policy of the USCCB which forces a priest into a guilty until proven innocent stance. The liberals and the envious have brought this man down.

Something else I find disturbing is that people are so willing to throw around similar statements against Corapi without “waiting.”  We don’t know anything about any of it and to write articles of this nature (be they either for or against Corapi’s actions)  If we, ourselves, do not know what is actually going on (and are freely willing to admit this) then we would be all the wiser to, likewise, keep our mouths (or typing fingers) silent until we know more.  Unless we would also act falsely even with the best of intentions.

Arrogant, prideful, greedy. self serving, self promoting it is too bad.  I saw most of these traits in him a few years back when working with him at a parish visit.  I knew then his demise was coming and prayed that he wouldn’t hurt our church.  He has decided to abandon his vows which he swore before God.  No where in those vows does it say “unless they don’t work out for you then you don’t have to follow them.”  We should pray for John as we do for all that are in need of extra graces from God.  He has walked away from our church and us.  He will have a difficult time teaching from now on since he has defiled the very book he has taught from.

“no cross no love” Fr Corapi

i do not know the guilt of Fr. but do presume his incenses .... but it is clear that the system in place to find truth is imperfect….

the bishops need a bit more courage .... the gift of the spirit to be vulnerable…. to be fair to priest
... even at the risk of talking flack

and to Fr. Corapi .... Be the poster child for the reforms that are needed in the church ... and do not walk away from your priesthood.
Before he was Saint Vianney… he was Fr. Vianey….. no matter the injustice that may have been put upon him… or not .... it his current position that has importance… to him and to us…
please reconsider….
my 6 am Saturday men’s group will pray for you and ask that God s will be done
Peter Karutz

I have watched Fr Corapi for many years and he has helped me grow spiritually. I believe there are 2 possibilities with where Fr Corapi is going with this:

1. Perhaps he really has “lost it”; or

2. As many of us know, there are many in the USCCB who have done much to destroy the Church. Sadly, that which has not been made public (to date), is probably much more scandalous than that which has. Do we really believe that there has been a full accounting of what’s gone on in our leadership for the past few decades? It’s possible that Fr John has decided that the Truth will set us free.

Well, St Padre Pio didn’t abandon the church during his persecution. Jesus didn’t take off running and start his own ministry when he faced his accuser.  He took the bashing, whipping, and was killed. What were Fr Corapi’s options? “lie down and die” “continue the ministry” which obviously meant leave the priesthood. What about the third option. Act like a man who loves his bride and take the punches, the bashing, even unto death for her, our Church, whom you made a commitment. Not a Saintly thing to do Fr Corapi.

Reading some of the comments above, it is clear to see that Corapi has created a cult of personality for himself - a very dangerous thing both for the man and those who vow to “follow him anywhere”. A priest who abandons his priesthood cannot evangelize, teach, or in any way act in the name of the Church, no less do so with any moral credibility.
Yes, the process is seriously flawed and good priests have suffered as a result of it. But good men - good priests - act with humility, long-suffering, and in obedience to ecclesial authority, not in rebellion and self-promotion. This is what the saints did, following the example of the Lord Himself who was obedient “unto death”, and time vindicated their actions. I see nothing that even resembles this in the statement Corapi issued.
Jesus said “you will know them by their fruits”. Let’s wait and see what kind of “fruits” his departure produces…

You know, Father Corapi taught us to act with humility, obedience, and patience, and HE isn’t doing it. Pride is all over this, and so is the devil, who vowed to bring Fr. Corapi down. Looks like the devil might do it yet!

Since when can a liberal bishop bring down one of God’s good priests if it is God’s will?  Padre Pio wasn’t taken down by misled higher-ups!  He waited things out and didn’t act impulsively.

No- Father Corapi brought Father Corapi down- aided by his old nemesis, the devil.  Don’t blame it on the bishops, they are not that powerful.

This is spiritual warfare, folks, and in this battle, Satan has won so far.

We need to continue to pray for Fr. Corapi, as he really has lost it, as Jimmy says. 

Father Corapi, don’t do it- don’t leave the priesthood. Take Padre Pio as your model.

I think you are wrong in your judgement of Father Corapi.
I will buy his book.
The sex abuse cases aginst priests is horrible. Some are true and some are not.
I don’t blame him for leaving the priest hood.He loved being a priest and constantly brought it up in his talks.
“JUDGE NOT”

I don’t follow Corapi, have listened to maybe one talk by him and that’s it.

However, I am close with someone who has been falsely accused. I know well how the authorities, enemies, friends, and even family can turn on the accused. Everything they do becomes suspect and every action they take is the wrong one. Everyone knows how it would be better done, yet none are willing to stand with the accused. You loose your reputation, job, friends and for what? What good comes of it? (yes, God brings good in the end, yet it becomes harder to believe that as time drags on and depression sets in.)

In cases as this it is best to remain as honest as possible when relaying the facts. Stick to the facts only.

- Corapi was accused.
- He says it was false.
- He says the processes is flawed
- He says he was suspended ***note this - not that “he quit” or “abandoned his vows”
- He says he is continuing to try to do good despite what has happened
- He is asking that we not write the bishop about it (not protest/disobey maybe?)

It sounds like he is taking the course of action open to him in obedience to the bishops. If they have suspended him…then he is suspended and to continue to act as a priest would be wrong. We do not know if he will remain faithful to the Church (and we must pray for him).

Perhaps I am missing something, but I fail to see how “the bishops have suspended me” translates to “I’m abandoning my vows as a priest”. I understand the anger, but this type of speech is not the truth.

It is clear by reading the comments above that Corapi has created a cult of personality around himself, a very dangerous thing both for the man himself and those who vow to follow him anywhere.  A priest who abandons his priesthood cannot evangelize, teach, or in any way act in in the name of the Church, or do so with any moral credibility. Yes, the process is seriously flawed, and good priests have suffered as a result of it. But good men - good priests - act with humility and in obedience to their ecclesial authorities, not in rebellion or self-promotion. This is what the saints did, following the example of the Lord Himself, and time vindicated their actions. I see nothing that resembles this in the statement Corapi issued. Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them”. Let’s see what kind of “fruit” Corapi’s departure produces…

The assumptions and interpretations of Mr. Akin’s piece exude an unpleasant odor; short on facts and charity, long on suspicion and aspersion. And if Father Corapi’s representation of the process is accurate, and nowhere is it refuted, I remain inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.
We are taught to know the tree by its fruit. The fruit of the leadership of the American bishops and the USCCB is the current state of the Church in America. Words like embarrassment and disaster come to mind.
The fruit of Father Corapi’s ministry to date is characterized by orthodoxy. He has always supported the Church and the Pope. He does so in his statement.
We see his current situation only through a glass, and darkly. Time will tell if in his new ministry he remains orthodox. If so, that ministry will bear good fruit, all of this will be seen in a different light, and perhaps an unfair process will be reformed.
Only time will tell if John Corapi turns out to be a false prophet or a good and faithful servant publicly wronged. Either way, we will all do well to observe the fruit as it ripens before we judge its goodness.

Everything about this stinks. Most of these comments stink. Jimmy aikins comments stink. Fr. Corapi’s just released video stinks and so does that new website. All of this leaves me with a very uneasy feeling. I said it when this mess first came to light and ill say it again, this has demonic influence written all over it! Look at all the discord, and division! And all of us play right into the hands of the devil! I don’t believe anybody involved is actively in league with the devil but everyone from Fr. Corapi to the bishop involved to the accuser to the critics and supporters have just been played like a harp from hell by the devil. Everyone just gave satan what he wanted…Thanks a lot! Last year Fr. Corapi had that very powerfull confrence on spiritual warefare and also spoke out against socialism and our own government problems….hmmmmm bishop just wanted him gone? Corapi spoke about many things that challenged people in power and challenged spiritual forces. Back at the time of the conference we just knew something like this was coming.

Mother Teresa is a favorite person in my life.  Anyone who knew her would hear her say that Father Corapi is Christ is distressing disguise of the poor. Whether Father had a friend who betrayed him or a bishop who did not father him, he needs love now and prayers now, not contemnation now.  Pray for him, and ask our Lord to bless him very specially in this the anniversary of his ordination.  It is my prayer that one day he will return to active ministry in the Church.

I think Fr. Corapi is protecting the thing he loves the most and that is the Church that Christ instituded here on earth.  Do any of you realize how much it would cost the church not just in money but in time to prove his innocence?  I think its a shame that our bishops are to weak to stand in the gap for our great priest. Iron shapens iron and a lot of our bishops are caught up in feel good society they need to grow some balls and stand up for what is right.  How is a person suppose to defend himself if he doesn’t get all the facts and have the accuser face him.  Some so called christian organisation say Christ had sex and has brothers and sisters so we are suppose to throw Jesus to the curb like the many people that followed him and left him in John 6 I DON’T THINK SO. What happen to forgive and move on.  We are loosing a great priest behind something that we don’t even know happen that is just stupid on the bishops part and the church itself.

I always liked the term “Practicing Catholic”.  Jesus said, “Be perfect as My Father in Heaven is perfect”, but we can’t just snap our fingers one day and say “today I’m going to be perfect”.  It takes a lot of effort, hard work, belief and faith in The Grace of God… and lots of “practice”.  I therefore consider myself a practicing Catholic.  After reading this article and all of the comments, it really struck me that the most Catholic words spoken on this page came from a self-proclaimed Protestant Pastor named Dave!  Dave, I stand with you and will pray with you for Father Corapi and the “Universal” aka Catholic Church.  “Don’t point out the splinter in your neighbor’s eye until you remove the beam from your own”, said Our Lord.  I invite all of you read Pastor Dave’s comments above.  Ad Majorem De Gloriam!

Fr. Corapi,

I will believe you ONLY if you freely (waive any rights) take a lie detector test, AND offer to freely pay for the accuser’s test as well.  I have always said, as an ordained minister in the Church, if I were ever in Fr. Corapi’s situation (he says, he/she says), that I would immediately take a professionally administered lie detector test.  Although not admissible in court (or in the Church), such an act would be very helpful in my view for the Bishop to discern the issue.  Sadly, I don’t believe Fr. Corapi.  His actions are contrary to a faithful, obedient, and holy priest.  Many saints have encountered ecclesial hardships and persevered in truth, chairty and justice.  The last time I saw him publicly (last summer) it was an abomination how he conducted himself w/ statements made, etc.  This happened before this event ever did, and I shared w/ my flock that day, it would be the last thing I ever did to support him.  I thank God for finally exposing him.  Even if not guilty of the charges, Fr. Corapi has become an arrogant, ego maniac not worthy of being clothed with any authority in the Church.  Sad.  We pray.

John:

How long it would take to prove his innocence?

We’re not talking about a decades-old accusation that emerges because of recovered-memories. 

We’re talking about a woman who’s alive and well making these accuasations about incidents that allegedly occurred in the recent past.

It might be a bit of a chore but if Corapi is clearly innocent and the woman is mentally ill as he claims - it would not take ages.

Wow. It is quite a sight to see so many “faithful” “catholic”  people commenting on a person and a situation that they actually know absolutely nothing about.  So many, many words.  Hmmm…what does the Cathechism say about words?  Oh yes….ccc 2477…“Respect for the reputation of persons FORBIDS every ATTITUDE and WORD likely to cause them unjust injury.”  “He becomes guilty of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor,” “of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another’s faults and failings to persons who did not know them,” “of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.”  It goes on.  Makes for interesting reading.  I for one can’t peer inside Fr. Corapi’s heart.  I certainly do not have the hubris to make judgment on what is or what is not God’s will in this situation.  Thank you NCR for an article that is nothing more than gossipy, tabloid trash.  Excuse my while I go to confession.

Since people keep mysteriously dragging my name in, I might as well reply.

Judith writes:
A guy like Jimmy, or Mark bring you back to the Catholic church? Or was it a guy like Fr. Corapi bring you back to the church?

How about “none of the above”?  Neither Jimmy, me or Fr. Corapi have ever brought a living soul to the Church.  The Holy Spirit does that.  We yak about the Faith and sometimes, by the grace of the Spirit, something we say scratches where somebody itches and they receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to obey Jesus, not from Jimmy, Mark or Corapi, but from God.  Because no human being has any power at all to convert a human heart.  We are like children watching Dad work under the hood of the car on the big mysterious engine of the human heart that we are not even tall enough to see.  Periodically, Jesus emerges from under the hood, hands us a wrench and says “Hold this”.  We do so, Jesus does some more fiddling under the hood, and then tells us to pump the gas, turn the key and start ‘er up.  Vroom! goes the engine and our friends say, “Wow!  He helped his dad fix the car!”  If we are fools, we listen to our friends.  If we are wise, we listen to St. Paul:

For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely men? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1 Cor 2:4-6)

No human being has *ever* “converted” another to faith in Christ.  It’s impossible.  That’s why cults of personality are such dangerous lies.

One of my first thoughts was of Richard Nixon (though not implying guilt): I really felt it was a benevolent gesture to let the Church move on and not to damage her with a drawn out legal battle.  Rather than put the Church (or the country in Nixon’s case) through that sort of drama and devisiveness, he stepped out of the way and fell on the sword.

Dag, Jimmy, I think you have lost your ability to reason.  He is free not to give up his civil and human rights to hold harmless anyone wants to say about him.  What about libel?  What about false statements?  Would you, Jimmy, be willing to do this - give up your rights to a fair trail and give up your rights when people defame you?  I don’t think so.

I am very glad that Jimmy wrote this piece, and the other piece about Father Corapi that I just read.  From the beginning of this scandal, I was concerned about the reaction to the scandal, and how it was being portrayed.

I have watched several programs that feature Father Corapi.  He is a mesmerizing speaker, and I believe that I gained some very valuable instruction from many of those lectures.  I believe that he was very straight forward and clear about the Church and what it teaches in a time when there are not enough people being straightforward and clear about what the Church is actually about.

I also, often, struggle with the fact that the USCCB seems to worry more about political concerns than with the Canon of the church.  I do not wish for that concern to be uncharitable, because I believe that the temptation would be for anyone with that much responsibility to try and chart a path around potential storms.  I just think that charting those paths sometimes points you the opposite direction from where you were trying to take the ship in the first place.

Long story short, I don’t doubt that the process for investigating sexual misconduct for priests may be more difficult for the priest than perhaps it should be.  Every priest accused must bear the cross of those handful of priests and bishops that did, indeed, commit grave sin.  It is sad, and I wish it were not the case.

The problem I have, and I think Jimmy highlighted rather well, is that this isn’t about the process or about Father Corapi’s guilt or innocence.  It’s about Father Corapi’s response to the process.  I don’t see a man saying that, as difficult has his path may be, God will ultimately wins out.  I see a man saying “I know that this process is bad, so I’m not going to participate.” 

And as Jimmy points out, he is very quick to want to return to pastoral work, even if it’s not within the bounds of the priesthood.  That seems very dangerous.  Not only because there is no direct authority upon him, but also because it does send the message that the way to deal with problems in the Church is to ignore its authority and do what you want anyway.

For anyone pointing out that Father Corapi has not said he will be forming his own religion or what have you . . . is it worse to intentionally form a splinter group, or to create a splinter group that people within the church might join while thinking they are in communion with the Church?  While we don’t know that anything Father Corapi does in his “pastoral ministry” will be heretical, we do know that as a lay person, there is no official authority keeping it from becoming heretical.

Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t understand how some priests seem to have to answer for implied impropriety and others can openly defy the church and still have the same ministry they have had for decades, drifting farther and farther from Church teachings.  But the solution isn’t to have “good” priests leave the priesthood because they don’t like the process.  A good place to start is to pray for the bishops that they have the strength to do what is best for the Church and the souls of her people, and to pray for the priests that they might either accept the will of the Church and act as Christ would, or that they might be found innocent of any wrongdoing.  And in all things ask for God’s will to be done.

I don’t think that everyone that is being critical of Father Corapi is judging Father Corapi, as a man.  I don’t know his soul and it would be wrong for me to presume his state of sin or salvation.  I can, however, comment on his actions, and I am very concerned that his actions do not set a good example.

I think Jimmy Akin and so many of these “devout Roman Catholics” have LOST IT… You have lost the capacity for critical thinking. You have lost your ability to look at the real things happening within the Church… You have lost your compassion and judge people - including your own priests - so harshly.  It is very sad. Just read all these “Catholic blogs” and tel me where you find the compassion and charity of Jesus.  You just don’t!