MAJOR UPDATE (3:30pm Mountain Time): Ted Haggard just stepped down as President of the New Life Church and the National Association of Evangelicals according to the
Channel 9 News. A news conference was setup by several evangelical leaders to support Haggard but was quickly cancelled before the announcement of his "temporary" leave
This news is burning through the state faster than the Hayman Fire.
Pastor Ted Haggard, leader of the 14,000 member New Life Church and President of the National Association of Evangelicals, has been outed as gay, accused of paying a prostitute and (if that wasn't enough) being a meth user. Haggard is probably next in line to James Dobson and Pat Robertson when it comes to influential Evangelicals.
Denver's 9 News has been investigating the story for two months and announced it yesterday.
So far Haggard denies the allegations but I personal am looking forward to the Jimmy Swaggart like apology I HAVE SINNED AGAINST YOU MY LORD!
http://www.9news.com/...
DENVER - A gay man and admitted male escort claims he has had an ongoing sexual relationship with a well-known Evangelical pastor from Colorado Springs.
Mike Jones told 9 Wants to Know Investigative Reporter Paula Woodward he has had a "sexual business" relationship with Pastor Ted Haggard for the past three years.
Haggard is the founder and senior leader of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs. The church has 14,000 members.
He is also president of the National Association of Evangelicals, an organization that represents millions of people.
Haggard is married with five children and an outspoken critic of gay marriage.
Haggard, interviewed by Channel 9, had a very interesting response to the allegations.
"I did not have a homosexual relationship with a man in Denver," said Haggard. "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, but I'm not even the guy who will investigate it or question it. I don't know what the dynamics are, but this independent group will come in and do that."
So he's basically saying he didn't have sex with a man in Denver which could very well be true. Now somebody needs to ask him if he's ever had sex with a man anywhere.
Ahhh the hypocrisy of it all!
Here is a good interview with Haggard on YouTube in which he claims to have a weekly conference call with Bush
Update: Thanks pdq!
According to the Rocky Mountain News, Mike Jones has admitted that he has voicemail recordings and a letter to back up his allegations.
Jones also said during his appearance with Boyles that he was paid money by Haggard, who made frequent trips to Denver for sexual liaisons, that he has recorded voicemails and a letter from Haggard, and that he had also witnessed Haggard use methamphetamine.
Update 2:
James Dobson has weighed in on the allegations. Let's see how fast he backpedals when the voicemails are released. This coming from a guy that says boys should take showers with their fathers.
Focus Chairman Calls Coverage of Unsubstantiated Rumor 'Unconscionable'
11/2/2006 1:40:00 PM
To: State Desk
Contact: Gary Schneeberger of Focus on the Family, 719-548-5853, or culturalissues@family.org
COLORADO SPRINGS. Nov. 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Focus on the Family founder and Chairman James C. Dobson, Ph.D., issued the following statement today addressing an allegation by a male prostitute in Denver that Ted Haggard was one of his clients:
"It is unconscionable that the legitimate news media would report a rumor like this based on nothing but one man's accusation. Ted Haggard is a friend of mine and it appears someone is trying to damage his reputation as a way of influencing the outcome of Tuesday's election -- especially the vote on Colorado's marriage-protection amendment -- which Ted strongly supports.
"He has shown a great deal of grace under these unfortunate circumstances, quickly turning this matter over to his church for an independent investigation. That is a testament to the character I have seen him exhibit over and over again through the years."
I will keep updating this as more unfolds
You can find a great diary by the author of "Soldiers of Christ" which was featured in Harper's Bazaar here
MAJOR UPDATE (3:30pm Mountain Time): Ted Haggard just stepped down as President of the New Life Church and the National Association of Evangelicals according to the Channel 9 News. A news conference was setup by several evangelical leaders to support Haggard but was quickly cancelled before the announcement of his "temporary" leave