(NewsCore) - A California-based Catholic priest who runs a television ministry has taken a leave of absence after admitting to a sexual relationship with his second cousin, the San Bernardino County Sun reported Thursday.
The Rev. Michael Manning said he had stepped down from his position to reflect on the relationship with Nancy Kotowski, a school superintendent in Monterey County, Calif.
Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy which forbids them from all sexual activity, and Manning said he ended the relationship two years ago.
"We've been such good friends and there's a deep love we have for each other," Manning told the Sun.
"The sexuality was secondary. It's very hard when you care for someone, but I love my priesthood more. I admit the fact of my sinfulness. I've done wrong. That's why I've stopped."
Kotowski, 59, told The Monterey Herald the pair had considered getting married before deciding to end the relationship, which began after 30 years of friendship.
She also said she hoped their situation might lead to debate being renewed about clergy members remaining celibate.
Manning, 70, started his television ministry, Wordnet, in 1978. His weekly show titled "The Word in the World" is broadcast nationally on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Manning is a member of the Society of the Divine Word, a missionary community that has thousands of members throughout the world.
Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpps/news/televangelist-priest-michael-manning-confesses-to-affair-with-cousin-dpgonc-20110408-fc_12679331#ixzz1J0CR0JFu
The Rev. Michael Manning said he had stepped down from his position to reflect on the relationship with Nancy Kotowski, a school superintendent in Monterey County, Calif.
Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy which forbids them from all sexual activity, and Manning said he ended the relationship two years ago.
"We've been such good friends and there's a deep love we have for each other," Manning told the Sun.
"The sexuality was secondary. It's very hard when you care for someone, but I love my priesthood more. I admit the fact of my sinfulness. I've done wrong. That's why I've stopped."
Kotowski, 59, told The Monterey Herald the pair had considered getting married before deciding to end the relationship, which began after 30 years of friendship.
She also said she hoped their situation might lead to debate being renewed about clergy members remaining celibate.
Manning, 70, started his television ministry, Wordnet, in 1978. His weekly show titled "The Word in the World" is broadcast nationally on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Manning is a member of the Society of the Divine Word, a missionary community that has thousands of members throughout the world.
Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpps/news/televangelist-priest-michael-manning-confesses-to-affair-with-cousin-dpgonc-20110408-fc_12679331#ixzz1J0CR0JFu
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