A Puerto Rican priest whose former life as gay porn star was revealed when some of his movies resurfaced online is refusing to resign from his ministry.

Pastor José Santiago, who was left red-faced after clips of his erotic acting past garnered thousands of hits after being posted on social media sites in Puerto Rico, is refusing to resign from his position, stating that the videos are an attempt to discredit his church.

Santiago – who says he gave up his porn alter ego, Gustavo Arrango, after being “touched” by God seven years ago – told local media outlets: “In those days I was gay and participated in homosexual activities, but God touched me, God transformed me, God gave me a woman who loves me and she loves my past,” he said.

“I haven’t seen any of these films in years. I don’t receive any money for them and it’s part of a life that is over.”

Although the news of Santiago’s past was reported back in 2010, a recent resurfacing of the news has caused consternation in the conservative town of San Juan, where he is pastor of the House Of Prayer Monte Santo.

Despite calls for his resignation, Santiago is steadfast in his refusal to step down. “We have all done things we regret. That part of my life was before I knew God,” he said.