Founder Of TV Ministry Acknowledges Sexual Affair With 2nd Cousin
SAN BERNARDINO (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest who runs a worldwide television ministry from a Southern California diocese has acknowledged a sexual relationship with his second cousin, who is the superintendent of a school district.
The San Bernardino Sun reported Wednesday that the Rev. Michael Manning told the newspaper he broke his vows of celibacy and says the relationship ended two years ago because of his feelings of guilt.
His cousin, 59-year-old Nancy Kotowski, called Manning a dear friend, but declined to discuss the relationship further.
Kotowski is Monterey County's superintendent of schools.
Manning founded Wordnet, a nonprofit Catholic TV ministry that airs the show "The Word in the World" each week on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
John Andrews, a diocese spokesman, says Manning has sought forgiveness and the diocese supports him.
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