Famous TV Priest John Corapi Ends Priesthood; Still Denies Charges of Former Female Employee

Father John Corapi -- the famous television priest who was placed on administrative leave by the Catholic Church last March as a result of sexual misconduct leveled against him by a former female employee -- today (June 18, 2011) announced on his personal website: "I am not going to be involved in public ministry as a priest any longer."

While shocking many Catholic worshipers in deciding to give up the priesthood, Corapi wrote on his website: "The present complaint that you have heard about is, as far as I know, from the one person that I can honestly say I did more to help and support than any human being in my entire life."

He added: "I forgive her and hope only good things for her. I am not going to get into a back and forth or argument with the Church or anyone else about this matter."

Corapi indicated on his website that his autobiography -- titled "The Black Sheep Dog" -- is almost ready for publication. He also wrote that he would use the title "The Black Sheep Dog" on radio broadcasts and writings that he planned to pursue shortly. He emphasized that these broadcasts and writings would focus not only on religion, but also on all important matters confronting society.

Retaining a sense of humor and the charisma that helped him gain world fame on his TV programs, Corapi ended his message by signing it: "John Corapi (once called 'father,' now 'The Black Sheep Dog')."