Across the Nation

WASHINGTON — A top State Department official says Cuba has agreed to resume negotiations with the U.S. over immigration and mail service between the two countries.

The official says Cuba notified the U.S. on Saturday that it had accepted a recent U.S. overture to restart the talks. The official also says Cuba expressed a willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on fighting terrorism and drug trafficking, and on hurricane disaster preparedness.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the time and place for the resumed talks has not been determined.

The official spoke to reporters Sunday just before Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton left on a trip to El Salvador and Honduras.

She plans to attend a meeting Tuesday in Honduras where Cuba’s possible readmission to the Organization of American States is expected to be discussed.

Fla.’s ‘Father Oprah’:

Church is about forgiveness

BISCAYNE PARK, Fla. — A popular Miami priest nicknamed "Father Oprah” said Sunday that "church is about forgiveness” during his first sermon since leaving the Roman Catholic Church to become Episcopalian amid an uproar over published photos of him kissing his girlfriend on the beach.

The Rev. Alberto Cutie (pronounced KOO’-tee-ay) gave the sermon at the Episcopal Church of The Resurrection in Miami. Episcopal priests can marry, unlike their Catholic counterparts. It will take him at least a year to become a priest in his new church.

The cozy church was overflowing with supporters, most having to stand along the aisles or lean against the walls. Many in the crowd said they were not members but came to support Cutie.

"This little church has been neglected, and membership is not great,” said Jackie Fernandez, who attends another Episcopal church in the Miami area. She said within the year that will all change thanks to Cutie.

Cutie said in a TV interview in early May that he was in love with the woman in the photos and that they have been romantically involved for about two years after being friends for much longer. His girlfriend has been identified in local media as 35-year-old Ruhama Buni Canellis. He has not said if he plans to marry her, but noted in a statement this week that as he became an Episcopalian, he "has seen the ways that many of my brothers serve God as married men.”

"If love was his mistake, then I’ll still support him. Love makes the world go round,” said Ysset DeCarlo, 44. She brought along her 17-year-old daughter Stephanie, who made her confession to Cutie for her confirmation.

Cutie received a standing ovation and told several jokes, quipping that "my stuff is in storage.” He didn’t directly address his relationship with his girlfriend.