“SOLT does not consider Fr. John Corapi as fit for ministry.”

After it had been widely circulated on the Internet for several hours today, a press release from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity was posted on the order’s website. The statement outlines SOLT’s “side of the story” in the scandals that have surrounded Fr. John Corapi, and ends with the announcement that those investigating allegations against the widely celebrated priest have concluded that the charges are true:

He did have sexual relations and years of cohabitation (in California and Montana) with a woman known to him, when the relationship began, as a prostitute; He repeatedly abused alcohol and drugs; He has recently engaged in sexting activity with one or more women in Montana; He holds legal title to over $1 million in real estate, numerous luxury vehicles, motorcycles, an ATV, a boat dock, and several motor boats, which is a serious violation of his promise of poverty as a perpetually professed member of the Society.

The statement continues:

SOLT has contemporaneously with the issuance of this press release directed Fr. John Corapi, under obedience, to return home to the Society’s regional office and take up residence there. It has also ordered him, again under obedience, to dismiss the lawsuit he has filed against his accuser.

SOLT’s prior direction to Fr. John Corapi not to engage in any preaching or teaching, the celebration of the sacraments or other public ministry continues. Catholics should understand that SOLT does not consider Fr. John Corapi as fit for ministry.

As Elizabeth Scalia put it, “The author of chaos is loving this story.”

Although it was written before today’s developments, I would encourage readers who haven’t already done so to take a look at Jennifer Fulwiler’s measured and heart-felt take on this story.