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.
Paul Crouch paid off his accuser with (TBN) ministry money - i.e. donations meant for the work of the ministry, not to buy someone's silence. It was a six figure sum, too.
That's obviously true, especially in the case of churches that preach so-called "prosperity theology".
I read about a branch of a mega-church going up near where I live so, I checked out the pastor when he appeared on TV and looked at his church's website. I noticed that he seemed to be preaching mainly an economic/success message with just a few Bible verses thrown in occasionally. His church's website has links that go directly to his personal website where he sells books, CD's, etc. (and presumably pockets the profits thereof.) And what kind of church is called the "Champions Centre"?
My overall impression was exactly the same sentiment that you posted, that these guys are in it for the lifestyle.
Another thing I couldn't figure out is how this guy built up a mega-church when, based on what I saw on TV, he seems to actually have very little charisma.
Of course I am a cynical atheist. But I did all this research with my believing son, who felt the same way.
You seem to be located in Seattle area.
Try http://www.thecitychurch.org/. Is not my home church either but I enjoy their services occasionally. All sermons are strictly scripture based. You may not understand it all being an atheist but in support of your son's spirituality, I'd suggest you give it a shot.
Ted Haggard campaigned at the side of Dr. James Dobson. I would be very surprised if the allegations were true and Dr. Dobson had neglected to do his homework and jeopardized the integrity of the pro-marriage movement. Very surprised. If this had gone on for 3 years as the accuser claims, someone would have found out. Folks, there is way too much at stake for something like this to go unnoticed in Colo Sprgs.
I hope so. I agree the timing is suspect.
Can we all agree the Left is attacking the Evangelicals.
Time to Blow the Trumpet in Zion.
I don't know if this cheerfulness is anything other than wishful thinking on their part, but I'm no Evangelical. As a Catholic, Haggard's advocacy has flown under my radar.
In the sad event that these allegations prove true, here's something to keep in mind:
"The teachers of the law (the scribes) and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So, you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach" (Matt. 23:2-3)Is Haggard the driving force behind his church? I'll keep him, his accuser, and his congregation in my prayers.
Why did he resign from all his positions, then?
Churches need to be careful this year. I am not personally participating (although I agree with the stance behind it), but there are groups that are planning on infiltrating Church services and recording any unethihcal speech that may put in danger the organization's tax exempt status.He was talking about the marriage amendment advocacy. I wouldn't be too surprised if busybodies like these would try to generate a hoax story.
Ack.
"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."
A friend of mine did electrical work on Benny Hinn's Cota de Caza mansion, in Orange County.
He described it as being pretty lavish and very big. Cota de Caza is a gated community, with homes ranging from $1,000,000 to $15,000,000.
This is of course heresay. I tend to believe it, though.
I see these characters more as highly compensated actors and performers. Makeup, studio lights, TV cameras, etc.
Very big bucks at stake. Run it like a big corp. with the top peoples' compensation rubber stamped by a well compensated board of directors.
And avoid taxation as a tax exempt church. They have planes, so yaughts might nt be any stretch.
I'm in real estate, and a couple of times had contact with preachers. I was surprised at the high price range that they indicated.
Good gig if you can get it.
Also, he seemed to be evasive in the sense of going on and on about not believing in discrimination against anyone, that the church would conduct an investigation, that he felt compassion for the accusor, etc. I did not see displayed the utter shock and disbelief that he could be accused of such a thing.
Are you familiar with Haggard's mannerisms? I'm not. I have a stereotype of all megachurch pastors being somewhat plastic and noncommittal when asked for specifics.
Also, Haggard was recently accused of anti-Catholicism, so he might be especially delicate in his response.
Budding pedophiles? Am I missing something?
Yep, but it still smells like November Surprise to me. If so, it's supposed to send the message that those of us who support marriage amendments are part of a vast hypocrisy.
If the main witness is withholding what he says is indisputable proof, that puts this way out of credibility territory.
Why is it that you're quick to believe a source that won't share his evidence?
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