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	Priest Admits to Affair with Schools Chief Kin By Josh Dulaney Monterey Herald April 6, 2011 http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_17782241?nclick_check=1 A renowned Roman Catholic priest with a worldwide television ministry based in San Bernardino admitted to breaking his vow of celibacy and having a sexual relationship with his second cousin, who is Monterey County's superintendent of schools. The Rev. Michael Manning confirmed he had the relationship with Nancy Kotowski. Manning made the admission after being questioned about correspondence that appeared to point to them breaking off the relationship more than two years ago. "We've been such good friends and there's a deep love we have for each other," Manning, 70, said. "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, spoke briefly about her relationship with Manning. "Father Mike Manning is a very dear and close friend of mine," Kotowski said Monday. "Our friendship has grown over 30 years, and we share a deep commitment of faithful and dedicated life of service in our respective work. I have nothing more to publicly say about this personal and private matter." Manning started the nonprofit Wordnet, a Catholic television ministry in 1978. Wordnet's programs are filmed and edited in the ministry's San Bernardino studio. His TV show, "The Word in the World," is shown weekly on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Manning has appeared as a guest on national TV shows, including "Larry King Live." Manning, who formerly led St. Anthony Parish in San Bernardino, is a member of the Society of the Divine Word, a missionary community with 6,000 members in 62 countries. In 2006, he was presented with the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Cross, which means "for the Church and the Holy Father." Bishop Gerald Barnes, head of the Diocese of San Bernardino, requested the award for meritorious service from Pope Benedict XVI for Manning's decades of service in the Catholic Church. Manning teaches at retreats and on religious tours throughout the world. His ministry's website at www.wordnet.tv features teaching materials for sale. Visitors are invited to donate to the ministry, which the website says needs 800 donors giving about $25 a month to cover all expenses. The website offers a pamphlet written by Kotowski titled "Dealing With Teenagers." Manning wouldn't say how long he and Kotowski were sexually involved. The correspondence appears to reveal a conflicted priest struggling to remain faithful to his calling. "The reality is, I was living two lives: one as a priest who was vowed to celibacy and another life as a sexually active man in our sexual intimacy," Manning wrote in one piece of correspondence. He told Kotowski that he battled hypocrisy, and deception was heavy on his heart as he feared people finding out about the relationship. "The burden of deception in hotels, and with the community with whom I work and live has become overwhelming," he wrote. Manning said he and Kotowski realized their sexual relationship was wrong. "I think we're all sinners and I'm not above admitting we're sinners ... " he said. "The important factor is what do you do after you sin? Can you accept forgiveness? And I've been able to accept forgiveness for what I've done." Manning said he is convinced of the importance and beauty of celibacy, and he told key staff members at Wordnet about the matter. Going forward with the ministry is "probably going to be very awkward" he said and he is considering taking a break. John Andrews, spokesman for the diocese, said Manning is a pioneer in Catholic television and the diocese supports him as he moves ahead. "It's unfortunate that this has happened and that is not the conduct that we expect from the priests and it's not consistent with the vows a priest takes," Andrews said. "At the same time, in our faith, you always have an opportunity to seek forgiveness from God and reconciliation. Father Manning has done that and we support him in that 100 percent." Manning said that before being questioned about the correspondence, he discussed the matter with his confessor. He said he will ask supporters for their understanding and their prayers. "That's the neat thing with Jesus, there can be the chance of starting again," Manning said. Monterey County Herald staff writer Claudia Meléndez Salinas contributed to this report. Josh Dulaney can be reached at 909-386-3885 or josh.dulaney@inlandnewspapers.com.
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