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.
The hypocrisy is mind-boggling that this religious leader of so many, father of five, husband can lead this double life.
Why do these people think they won't be found out?
the million dollar question I suppose
I agree with you. God disciplines his children. We live our lives in His name, and when His name is besmirched, He needs to reclaim the Truth of who He is. God loves Ted and will care for him. His family too, but they're going to need a lot of extra love and care from the body. They all need our prayers.
You have to understand that we have all sinned and even a Pastor at some Mega Church is not perfect. Satan and his minions would love to see a guy like Ted Haggard fall because of how many he leads. We need to continue to pray for our pastors and leaders of the church. The only perfect person on this earth has been Jesus and payed the ultimate penalty, death, so we could be forgiven of our sins.
Here is some scripture that backs up "WE HAVE ALL SINNED"
(Romans 3:9-10) - "What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one."
(Romans 3:23) - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
(Psalm 14:3) - "They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one."
It's not in the Bible; it's a Catholic tradition. My husband is Catholic; I'm not. We have heated--though friendly-- discussions over this a lot.
The use of the timing issue is simply to deflect from the potential facts of the matter.
Let the facts surface as quickly as possible. But #3 is nothing more than whining.
They think they won't find out because they know that their flock is usually ignorant and will continue to give them money.
Ask Paul Crouch or Jimmy Swaggart. I think its pretty funny, usually guys like this are completely in the closet and covering by pretending to be something else.
Another reason I don't give to charlatans.
I feel sorry for his family and all those who had respect for him - he's hurt alot of people.
this is a classic people who live in glass houses story.
It's shocking, but then it's not I suppose - I feel sorry for the families and people who believed in his words & leadership - it's a bitter pill for all of them - and maybe a wake up call.
Prayers for Mr. Haggard, and one Catholic hoping he is an innocent man falsely accused.
exactly - and who can blame them - politics is a game.
Only shocking to those in denial.
These guys think they are king, and they have lots of followers who don't think or reason that just give them more power and money.
Of course she does.
My point has been that he has an obligation to those who have supported the no gay marrage amendment here in CO. That obligation is (if this story is true, which I am doubtful of) to minimize the damage between now and next Tuesday.
I agree completely, I just think the evidence is pretty light and the accuser's behavior makes me suspicious. Of course, this morning my wife asked me about the case and while I was telling her the evidence it occurred to me that the guy could be holding on to the voice mails so he can get a book or TV deal.
Yep, the endeavor suggests organized dirt-digging too. Not that one should ignore dirt once dug.
The president of the NAE.
Yes we have all sinned, but not like this. This sin has made an impact on many people.
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