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.
Haggard's letter was read Sunday from the pulpit of New Life Church after children were dismissed from the service. Afterwards, a second letter was read from the disgraced minister's wife to the women of the church, in which she noted that she still loves her husband and remains "committed to him till death do us part" and that he is now "the visible and public evidence that every man, woman, and child needs a Savior."
Christian Community Reacts With Shock, Sorrow and Sympathy Christian community members and leaders in Colorado Springs and across the U.S. have commented on the scandal, many sounding notes of sympathy for the disgraced pastor and his family. New Life Church member Tina Cardwell noted that she thinks it would be "terrible if all of our sins were broadcast across the nation" and said that it was unfortunate for Haggard that "his are." However, she expressed confidence that New Life would survive under new leadership.
Dr. James Dobson of the Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family ministry issued a statement last week, when news broke that Haggard had acknowledged some "indiscretions" with regard to the allegations against him. Dobson described Haggard as "a close friend and colleague for many years" who has been "used mightily to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Colorado Springs and around the world."
