Westminster Presbyterian Church Pastor Reggie Weaver is on paid leave after admitting to extramarital affairs in a letter to congregants mailed Friday.

Weaver, who joined the Greensboro church nine months ago, disclosed an affair that began since his arrival, and an older "emotional" affair that occurred while he was still in Chicago.

"I have violated my ordination vows and my wedding vows," he wrote. "I am sorry and I ask your forgiveness."

The pastor was the senior minister of Chicago's First Presbyterian Church before joining Westminster.

The 33-year old is married to Rev. Ashley-Anne Masters, also an ordained Presbyterian pastor. Weaver's apology informed his congregation that the couple has begun divorce proceedings.

The minister had been on leave from the church since May 4. Congregants were saddened to find out why.

"Almost everyone's reactions were of sadness - sadness for Reggie and Ashley-Anne - and then, overwhelmingly, forgiveness," church member Robert Bell told Fox 8. "It's not always easy and it takes a lot of strength to forgive, but Westminster is a pretty strong church."

Weaver was selected to lead Westminster after a two year search by the church's nominating committee that considered over 130 applicants.

The committee's co-chair, Melinda Billings, explained why they chose Weaver.

"He just has gifts that can't be taught," she told News & Record last year.

"He's a dynamic preacher and has a spiritual maturity and a calm nature that really impressed us."

Rev. Weaver is the first black minister in the church's 125-year history, and was considered a Presbyterian rising star.

Rev. Sam Marshall, Executive-General Presbyter for Salem Presbytery, said that Weaver's potential make his indiscretions even more devastating.

"Rev. Weaver comes from a great education tradition, experience tradition and has had a lot of leadership positions in our agencies and seminaries," Marshall told Fox 8. "He is an outstanding young minister, so we are all very sad."

Staff Pastor Mark Brainerd has been named interim head of staff and senior pastor.