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Pastor Ted Haggard Steps Down
06 November 2006
Prominent American church leader Pastor Ted Haggard has been forced to step down amid accusations of sexual misconduct and drug-taking.
A male prostitute has accused Pastor Haggard of involvement in homosexual acts and purchasing methamphetamine.
According to the self-confessed 'male escort' Haggard, acting under a pseudonym, contacted him for sex on a 'monthly basis' for an extended period of time. Haggard is known as a strong advocate of banning homosexual marriage.
This position is shared by the vast majority of evangelical Christians in America, and certainly by most members of the National Association of Evangelicals of which Haggard was leader until the scandal broke. The organisation represents 45,000 churches and 30 million church members.
When the story broke, Haggard stood down from his position as pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He has since been removed permanently following an investigation by the overseers of the church.
A statement by the overseers said: 'We, the Overseer Board of New Life Church, have concluded our deliberations concerning the moral failings of Pastor Ted Haggard.'
'Our investigation and Pastor Haggard's public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct.'
When Haggard, 50, and his wife were informed of the decision, the statement said, 'they have agreed as well that he should be dismissed and that a new pastor for New Life Church should be selected according to the rules of replacement in the bylaws.'
The couple has five children.
Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and a friend of Pastor Haggard, said he felt 'heartsick' about the allegations.
'He will continue to be my friend, even if the worst allegations prove accurate,' he added. 'Nevertheless, sexual sin, whether homosexual or heterosexual, has serious consequences.'
Speaking in London, Mal Fletcher Christian social commentator and head of edges.tv, said: 'Here we see an opportunity to show the meaning of grace.'
'I have never met Pastor Haggard,' he added, 'though I think we do have admire someone who can build a large church in a major city. To achieve this he has obviously shown many leadership qualities, not the least of which are courage, determination and public-mindedness.'
'Though God’s messengers may sometimes fail the message remains as reliable, trustworthy and life-enhancing as ever.'
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