Posted on 11/02/2006 2:45:28 PM PST by dogbyte12
The leader of one of Colorado's most popular mega-churches, Ted Haggard, is temporarily stepping down from his leadership role, after allegations from a male prostitute that Haggard solicited gay sex.
Haggard, the founder and senior leader of the 14,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs and president of the multimillion- member National Association of Evangelicals, denied the accusations raised by the prostitute on Wednesday.
Today, a press conference by church leaders to support Haggard was cancelled shortly before it was scheduled to take place.
In stepping down, it was emphasized that Haggard did not admit any wrongdoing, but that he felt his effectiveness would be hampered by the cloud of inquiry.
Male escort Mike Jones of Denver told 9News he'd had a three-year sexual business relationship with Haggard.
Jones went public about their alleged relationship Wednesday morning on talk radio.
"People may look at me and think what I've done is immoral, but I think I had to do the moral thing in my mind and that is expose someone who is preaching one thing and doing the opposite behind everybody's back," Jones told 9News.
The station spoke to Haggard outside his home in Colorado Springs, and he fervently denied the allegations. Haggard is married and has five children.
"I've never had a gay relationship with anybody. ... I am steady with my wife. I'm faithful to my wife. I don't know if this is election-year politics or if this has to do with the marriage amendment or what it is," Haggard said.
The Denver Post could not reach Haggard for comment.
Haggard has been one of the major proponents for a state constitutional ban on gay marriage.
Good luck to you. I attended years ago before the 14K mark. I enjoyed Ted greatly. I find the accusations suspicious.
I remember he preached about going to gay bars and walking around them praying for those inside. It does sound strange if you do not understand spiritual warfare. Again God's speed.
Hey, he could take a page out of WJC's playbook and demand that his accusers define "sex" or he could emulate Jimmmy Swaggart who made a tearful confession and apology so that all his followers and the world would forgive him. In no time at all, both of these budding pedophiles seemed to be viewed as the next best thing to virginal by the MSM and all concerned. Oops, I stand corrected - "I'm sorry" only works if you're a DEMOCRAT!
Aha. The Ronnie Earle strategy.
Crouch was accused in the tabloids of going after men, but so was his wife.
The gaydar is overwelming. If there are letters and voice mail than this is going to be ugly. I just find it amazing that public figures get themselves into this type of activity when they know you can't hide doing things like this. I just have a hunch...he did it!
OK, so what he's saying is that there are all kinds of closeted gay celebrities in Colorado, but they have nobody to have sex with except for him.
He must be the most desirable gay man west of the Mississippi.
Why am I not surprised... seeker-sensitive pride driven pastors.
I suppose she would have to. It's not like they would go after her. They'd need a shovel to get to her.
Let's hope they reprint the poster.
Is this the last minute Dean orchestrated pre election surprise...hitting Christians right where it hurts the most?
Satan is at loose in the world.
Colo Sprgs is an important spiritual gateway for Evangelical North America. Even us Canadians recognize that.
Spiritual warfare, folks.
Has anyone already mentioned that all roads lead to Travis County... ? Where's Dan Rather in this hehe. C'mon this is as bogus as it gets.
What would any decent Christian leading a 14k member church and battling the enemy on the ballot box do in this case?
First, step down. Second, fight the good fight.
This is a last minute smear effort by the DNC campaign machine. DNC has seen the latest internal polling data which shows that Evangelicals will carry yet another electoral win for the GOP. Just about every church is advertising VOTE VOTE VOTE on their billboards and you and I know the church is promoting to vote the culture of LIFE which equals GOP.
Don't get destracted, folks. Pray and be obedient.
What station are you listening too?
One of my good friends attends this church. I'm shocked and saddened for him. I'm not willing to find Haggard guilty based on an accusation, and I certainly don't take any glee in this news.
I don't think so.
I know I will probably get heat to even post this, but I think a some of these large churches are set up just for the tax free lifestyle enjoyed by the preachers.
It probably isn't the time or place, but I really don't trust the whole concept of a mega church. I have never been in a large church because it becomes a cult of personality, rather than a community in Christ, at least in my experience. I went to a mega church in OC with a friend once, and they had Hollywood production values, a concert orchestra, rising stage lifts, and little actual discussion of the gospel. It was very entertaining. I could have purchased a copy of the service, complete with chiron graphics. However, that's not what I go to church for in the first place.
Nah, no heat. Scripture warns against what you are mentioning. The Apostle Paul warns against wolves in sheeps clothing. It is OK to ask the question and look into. I know I do.
I don't believe megachurches are set up solely for their pastors' benefit, but there being the leader of such a large group of loyal people who have deep respect and admiration for you is bound to have its temptations. Just as in any position of power, the more you have, the more risks there are that you will abuse it.
My bet is, (if he's guilty), is that Ted Haggard felt almost invincible with thousands of people hanging off every word Sunday mornings. Couple that with some unfulfilled cravings and I suspect that he thought he would never get caught, or even if he did, he would be able to rely on the loyalty of his flock to keep it quiet.
Cunningham, Jefferson, Clinton, Foley, and now Haggard. He wouldn;t be the first, and won't be the last.
It's probable that Haggard did it. My prayers are mainly for the members of his church and other churches, that they look to God for guidance instead of these jerks.
I hate to say it, but I'm getting quite disillusioned by all these scandals. We need to get back to our conservative roots and away from the cultish nonsense that has crept into the Republican party.
What ever happened to small government, to fiscal responsibility, and other conservative values that we used to hold dear?
I think we've been had. It's about time we stand up for ourselves.
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