Alexander Says an Affair Is Reason He Resigned

By Jim Mendoza
Hawaiinewsnow
January 28, 2012

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/16621222/alexander-admits-to-affair-as-reason-he-resigned

[with video]

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The question surrounding Marc Alexander's sudden resignation as Hawaii's homeless coordinator has been why?

On January 5, Gov. Neil Abercrombie attributed Alexander's departure to a need to "tend to personal matters."

In a letter to Hawaii News Now, Alexander admitted he resigned over an affair.

"I resigned when the news of an affair I had with a consenting adult woman, while I was an ordained member of the Catholic priesthood, became public," he said.

Activist Mitch Kahle is behind published reports of Alexander's involvement with a woman while he was a priest.

"Clearly, my conduct violated my vows of celibacy, which I deeply regret," Alexander wrote.

Bishop Larry Silva declined our request for an interview. A spokesman for the Catholic Diocese said Alexander's situation is a personal matter.

"I ask for forgiveness for my lapses," Alexander said. "I now wish to put this behind me."

Alexander is still a priest but doesn't have permission to perform active ministry. He is technically a priest on leave.

Alexander joined Abercrombie's administration a year ago as the state's coordinator on homelessness.

Alexander was ordained as a priest in 1985 and served as vicar general for five years.

Letter from Marc Alexander to Hawaii News Now:

Thank you for the opportunity to appear on Hawaii News Now, to discuss my recent resignation as the Governor's Homeless Coordinator. However, I must respectfully decline.

I resigned when the news of an affair I had with a consenting adult woman, while I was an ordained member of the Catholic priesthood, became public. Clearly, my conduct violated my vows of celibacy, which I deeply regret.

I was not asked to resign but in light of the circumstances regarding this matter, I offered my resignation to Governor Abercrombie and he accepted it. I felt then and continue to think that it was the right thing to do.

I ask for forgiveness for my lapses and ask that these personal matters remain private. I now wish to put this behind me. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Marc Alexander