WDC MEDIA NEWS
Christian News and Media Agency
Ted Haggard Scandal Confession Shakes Evangelical Community
2006-11-06 -- WDC Media News --
(AgapePress) - Ted Haggard, former president of the National Association of Evangelicals and former pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, has been in seclusion today as the evangelical Christian community reels from news of his admission that he lied to conceal his "sexual immorality."
Amid scandal involving allegations made by a male "escort," Haggard has stepped down from his posts and, in a letter to his church community, confessed his struggle of many years with "repulsive and dark" desires. According to Associated Press reports, the former pastor denied in the letter that all of the allegations against him are true but said "enough of them are that I was appropriately removed" from church leadership.
The Overseer Board of New Life Church released a statement Saturday concerning the former pastor's resignation. In it, the church board stated that public statements made by Haggard had "proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct." Also, it said the board had decided after consulting with leading evangelicals and experts about the minister's behavior that his dismissal and removal would be the most positive and productive step to take.
In addition, the statement notes that the Overseers will continue to "explore the depth of Pastor Haggard's offense so that a plan of healing and restoration can begin." Meanwhile, the church leaders will begin immediately the process of seeking a new pastor according to the rules of replacement in the church's bylaws...http://www.wdcmedia.com/newsArticle.php?ID=2198