Michael, I know what a hard time you're going through. While my marriage didn't break up, it sure did feel like it was for a few days, if not longer. Don't lose faith. I don't know exactly what led to this, but it's easily possible that a few days apart might make you and her both realize what you have, even if it felt like it was missing for a while.

Personally, I don't believe that a religion that can't abide mistakes is one worth having, and one that makes you feel worse than I know you already do is hardly a positive influence. This is not to say that you should give it up, but it might be time to reconsider some specifics of it. In my opinion, it is more important for a minister, revered or not, to understand the problems of those that he ministers to, and no matter what happens, and I do hope it works out for the best, this experience can only help you help others, which is, I'm sure, what brought you to your vocation.

We all make mistakes, and anyone who claims that he hasn't is lying and not worthy of respect of any nature. I don't know what your problem is, but I'd hope that the people you minister to understand that you're the same as they are, and they've all had the same problems. You are not a surrogate for God, you are just a pathfinder for others searching.

However, I'm truly sorry that you're having problems. I have the feeling, though, that you're taking all the blame on yourself possibly too much. I know you don't want to blame your wife, and for all I know it is all your fault, but what's done is done. Blame doesn't help a thing, only repentance and rectification.

I'm rambling, but I know how this sort of thing can bring you down even further than the events themselves do. Don't let yourself slide down. Nothing can be gained by making it worse than it already is.

Good luck and good wishes.