Ted Haggard

Infobox Celebrity
name = Ted Arthur Haggard


caption = |
birth_date = birth date|1956|6|27
birth_place = Yorktown, Indiana, United States
occupation = Former Protestant Christian Evangelist
salary =
networth =
website =
footnotes =

Ted Arthur Haggard (June 27, 1956) is a former American evangelical preacher. Known as Pastor Ted to the congregations he served, he is the founder and former pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado; a founder of the Association of Life-Giving Churches; and was leader of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) from 2003 [cite journal | url=http://harpers.org/SoldiersOfChrist.html | author=Jeff Sharlet | title=Soldiers of Christ: I. Inside America's most powerful megachurch | journal=Harper's | volume=310 | issue=1860 | year=2005 | pages=41–54 | format=Dead link|date=May 2008 p. 42.] until November 2006.

In November 2006, he resigned or was removed from all of his leadership positions after he admitted soliciting prostitute Mike Jones for homosexual sex and methamphetamine. Initially Haggard denied even knowing Mike Jones, but as a media investigation proceeded he acknowledged that some allegations, such as his purchase of methamphetamine, were true. He later added "sexual immorality" to his list of confessions. [cite news |first=Collen |last=Slevin |title=Ousted Evangelist Confesses to Followers |date=2006-11-05 |publisher=ABC News |url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2630268 |pages=1 |accessdate=2006-11-05 |language= ]

After the scandal was publicized, Haggard entered three weeks of intensive counseling, overseen by four ministers. On February 6, 2007 one of those ministers, Tim Ralph, stated that Haggard "is completely heterosexual." [cite news |title=Haggard Pronounced ‘Completely Heterosexual’ |date=2007-02-06 |publisher=Associated Press |url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Haggard-Sex-Allegations.html?hp&ex=1170824400&en=e85aa315c9092d7e&ei=5094&partner=homepage |pages=1 |accessdate=2007-02-06 |language= ] Ralph later said he meant to say that therapy "gave Ted the tools to help to embrace his heterosexual side." [cite news |title= More Haggard details emerge |date=2007-02-21 |publisher=North Jersey Record and Herald News |url=http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyNSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NzA4MTA0NCZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTI= |pages=1 |accessdate=2007-02-22 |language= ]

Early life and work

Ted Haggard was born in Indiana. [Sharlett, p.42.] His father, J. M. Haggard, a practicing veterinarian in Yorktown, Indiana, founded an international charismatic ministry, which was featured in a PBS Middletown documentary series. [cite news | title=Sex, drugs and election fallout | publisher=The Journal Gazette | last=Castro | first=Anthony | date=2006-11-05 ] In 1972, at age sixteen, Haggard became a born-again Christian after hearing a sermon from evangelist Bill Bright in Dallas, Texas. As a co-editor of his high-school newspaper in 1974, he published remarkably frank articles which described services that were available to prevent and deal with increasingly prevalent pregnancies and STDs. These articles scandalized his small town, and embroiled him in a free-press lawsuit. [cite news | url=http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/EDIT01/702150323/1090 | title=Haggard has fresh chance to right wrongs | publisher=Cincinnati Enquirer | date=February 15, 2007 | first=Cindy |last=Schroeder |accessdate=2007-03-10]

Haggard subsequently attended Oral Roberts University, a Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

According to Haggard, in November 1984, when he was an associate pastor of Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his confidant and mentor Danny Ost, a missionary to Mexico City, had a vision of Haggard founding his church in Colorado Springs. Accordingly, Haggard moved to Colorado shortly afterwards, and founded New Life Church. Initially, the basement of Haggard's house formed his church, which then grew to rented spaces in strip malls. [Sharlett, p.43-44.] At the time he was removed from his job for a sex and methamphetamine scandal in 2006, New Life Church operated from a campus in northern Colorado Springs, and reportedly had fourteen thousand members.cite news | last = Zoll | first = Rachel | title = Haggard scandal raises questions about 'superstar' pastors | publisher = Associated Press | date = 2006-11-10 | url = http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2006/11/10/haggard_scandal_raises_questions_about_superstar_pastors/?page=1 | accessdate = 2006-11-10 ]

In 1978, Haggard married Gayle Alcorn. [cite news | url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4191/is_20021222/ai_n10013015| title=Reality stems from pastor's Vision / Charismatic preachers have come | publisher=Colorado Springs Gazette | date= December 22, 2002| first=Eric | last=Gorski | accessdate = 2006-11-03] The couple has five children: Christy, Marcus (1983) (founder and former pastor of Boulder Street Church, Colorado Springs [cite news
last = Moore
first = John
title = Humana Festival discovers "This Beautiful City"
publisher = Denver Post
date = March 30, 2008
url = http://origin.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_8722986
accessdate = 2008-04-24] ), Jonathan (1989), Alex (1992), and Elliot (1995). [cite book | last=Haggard | first=Ted | title= Letters from Home | publisher=Regal Books | year = 2003 | month= March| pages= 1 | chapter = introduction | id= ISBN 0-8307-3058-3 ]

Ideology

Theology

Haggard has stated he believes in what is known as the Third Wave of the Holy Spirit and subscribes to the concept referred to as the Five-fold ministry – beliefs often associated with the charismatic movement. He has stated that he believes that there is one, all-knowing God, and that humans were created to be with him. [cite news | url=http://www.tedhaggard.com/believe.jsp | title=Statement of Faith | publisher=TedHaggard.com | date= | accessdate = 2006-11-03]

Politics

In 2005, Haggard was listed by "Time" magazine as one of the top 25 most influential evangelicals in America. [ [http://www.time.com/time/press_releases/article/0,8599,1022576,00.html TIME Names the 25 Most Influential EVANGELICALS in America - TIME ] ] Haggard is a firm supporter of President George W. Bush, and is sometimes credited with rallying evangelicals behind Bush during the 2004 election. [cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/3992067.stm | title=State Of The Union: The Evangelical vote | publisher=BBC News | date= 9 November 2004 | first=Tim | last=Egan | accessdate = 2006-10-18] Author Jeff Sharlet reported in 2005 that Haggard "talks to… Bush or his advisers every Monday" and stated at that time that "no pastor in America holds more sway over the political direction of evangelicalism." [Sharlet, p.42,43.] In a June 2005 "Wall Street Journal" article, "Ted Haggard, the head of the 30-million strong National Association of Evangelicals, joked that the only disagreement between himself and the leader of the Western world is automotive: Mr. Bush drives a Ford pickup, whereas he prefers a Chevy." [cite news | url=http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110006847| title=Cheer Up, Conservatives! | publisher=Wall Street Journal | date= June 21, 2005 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-10-18]

Haggard has stated that fighting global warming is an important issue, a divisive issue among Evangelical leaders. Though he personally supported the Evangelical Climate Initiative, the NAE did not adopt a position. [cite news | url=http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/02/08/national/08warm.html?adxnnl=1&fta=y&adxnnlx=1162585363-sd3OwjLLBFb1aVJ0qwn8tg | title=Evangelical Leaders Join Global Warming Initiative | publisher=New York Times | date= February 8, 2006 | first= Laurie | last= Goodstein | accessdate = 2006-11-03]

Teachings on homosexuality

Despite having homosexual relations with masseur Mike Jones, Haggard has condemned "homosexual activity.” In the documentary "Jesus Camp", one scene shows a sermon where he preaches, "we don't have to debate about what we should think about homosexual activity. It’s written in the Bible." [cite web|url= http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003365311_jesuscamp08.html |title=Pastor will shut down controversial kids camp|accessdate=2006-11-10|date=2006-11-08] Although Haggard opposes same-sex marriage, he has suggested that there should be civil unions for homosexual couples. [cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/06/04/groups_gay_marriage_issue_not_congresss/| title=Groups: Gay marriage issue not Congress's | publisher=Associated Press | date= June 4, 2004| first=Jim | last=Abhrams | accessdate = 2006-11-01]

Under Haggard's leadership, the NAE released "For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility" in late 2004,cite news | url=http://www.tedhaggard.com/denverPost.jsp | title=Man of Cloth and Clout | publisher=Denver Post/Tedhaggard.com | date= October 30, 2005 | first=Eric | last=Gorski | accessdate = 2006-11-01] "a document urging engagement in traditional culture war issues such as abortion and gay marriage but also poverty, education, taxes, welfare and immigration." The NAE has stated that "homosexual activity, like adulterous relationships, is clearly con­demned in the Scriptures." [cite news | url=http://www.nae.net/index.cfm?FUSEACTION=editor.page&pageID=303&IDCategory=8| title=Same-Sex Marriage | publisher=National Association of Evangelicals | year= 2006| first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-01]

Haggard developed ministry efforts towards homosexuals early in his Colorado Springs ministry. He frequented gay bars and invited men to his congregation. [cite news | url=http://www.harpers.org/SoldiersOfChrist-20061103288348488.html| title=Soldiers of Christ: Inside America's most powerful megachurch with Pastor Ted Haggard | publisher=Harper's Magazine | year= 2006| first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-04]

Television and movie appearances

Haggard has appeared on several broadcast network programs, including "Dateline NBC" and ABC's "20/20". He also appears in the documentary "Jesus Camp" [cite news | url=http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_4340346| title=Fire, brimstone around "Jesus" film | publisher=Denver Post | date= 2006-09-15| first=Eric | last=Gorski | accessdate = 2006-11-06] [ [http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/haggard_response.html JESUS CAMP responds to Ted Haggard] ] , the History Channel documentary "The Antichrist", [ [http://store.aetv.com/html/product/index.jhtml?id=74821 The Antichrist (Part 1 & 2) DVD ] ] as well as the HBO documentary "Friends of God: A Road Trip with Alexandra Pelosi". [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16792629/site/newsweek/ MSNBC] Jan 24, 2007]

In early 2006, University of Oxford Professor Richard Dawkins interviewed Haggard as part of a British television documentary entitled "The Root of All Evil?". [The Root of All Evil? documentary by Richard Dawkins] During this interview, Dawkins spoke with Haggard about contradictions between the cumulative knowledge produced by science, and a literal interpretation of the Bible (particularly its account of creation). In response, Haggard claimed to "fully embrace the scientific method." Haggard then stated that the conclusions of that method regarding the age of the earth and evolution were only the result of "some of the views that are accepted in some portions of the scientific community." When Dawkins pointed out Haggard's misconception of the theory of evolution (for instance Haggard's notion that complex organs such as the eye spontaneously manifested), Haggard suggested that Dawkins should be less arrogant about his learning.

As Dawkins and his film crew were packing up to leave, there was a brief altercation in the church parking lot. According to Dawkins, Haggard ordered Dawkins's crew off his land with the words, "You called my children animals," and threatened legal action and confiscation of their recording equipment. Later, Dawkins speculated that Haggard was upset because Dawkins had talked about evolution in the interview.

Homosexual sex and methamphetamine drugs scandal

In November 2006, prostitute and masseur Mike Jones alleged that Haggard had paid Jones to engage in sex with him for three years and had also purchased and used crystal methamphetamine. [cite news | first=Dan| last=Harris | coauthors= | title=Evangelical Leader Denies Accusation of Paying Former Gay Prostitute for Sex | date=November 3, 2005 | publisher= | url=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2626067&page=1 | work =ABC News | accessdate = 2006-11-05 | language = ] Jones said he had only recently learned of Haggard's true identity, and explained his reasons for coming forward by saying, "It made me angry that here’s someone preaching against gay marriage and going behind the scenes having gay sex."

Haggard acknowledged some, but not all, of the allegations, and was removed from all of his leadership positions in religious organizations, including the church he founded. cite news | url=http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/5067391.html | title=Sex, drug allegations could affect Haggard's writing career | work=Associated Press | first= Ted | last= Haggard | accessdate = 2007-01-09] At first, however, he claimed he had never met his accuser and in a television interview said "I am steady with my wife. I’m faithful to my wife."cite news | first=Neela | last=Banerjee | coauthors= | title=Accused of Gay Liaison, Head of Evangelical Group Resigns | date=2006-11-03 | publisher= | url =http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/03/us/03minister.html?em&ex=1162702800&en=31f683c988424dfd&ei=5087%0A | work =The New York Times | pages =1 | accessdate = 2006-11-04 | language = ] But on November 5, in a statement Haggard said, "The fact is I am guilty of sexual immorality. And I take responsibility for the entire problem. I am a deceiver and a liar. There's a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life." [cite news | first=Colleen | last=Slevin | coauthors= | title=Ousted evangelist confesses to followers | date=2006-11-05 | publisher= | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/05/ap/national/mainD8L72NT80.shtml | work =Associated Press | pages =1 | accessdate = 2008-01-01 | language = ]

Allegations

On November 1, 2006, Mike Jones stated that Haggard (whom Jones knew as "Art"; Haggard's middle name is Arthur) had paid for sex with him on an almost monthly basis over the previous three years. Jones contends the relationship was strictly physical, not emotional, and that he was typically paid a "couple of hundred dollars" but sometimes Haggard would pay him extra.cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15548841/site/newsweek/ | title=An Accuser's Story | publisher=MSNBC / Newsweek | date=November 3, 2006 | first=Andrew | last=Murr | accessdate=2006-11-16] Jones also stated " [Haggard] had told me he loved snorting meth before [he] has sex with his wife" and that Haggard had also revealed a fantasy he had of having an orgy with "about six young college guys ranging from 18 to 22 in age."cite news | url=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2626067 | title=Haggard Admits Buying Meth | publisher=ABC News | date=November 3, 2006 | first=Dan | last=Harris | accessdate=2006-11-06]

Jones claims Haggard had often used drugs in front of him, but he said he never actually sold drugs to Haggard but instead introduced him to someone, from whom he could purchase them.

About two years ago he asked, "Hey, Mike, what do you know about meth?" "I don’t do it personally, but I know people who do." I told him that some people think it enhances their sexual experience. He asked if I could help him get some. I located someone he could connect with. After that, he got it on his own. The last time he saw me, he was trying to get some and couldn't, which resulted in him sending me money through the mail in August, postmarked Colorado Springs. He wrote "Art" on the corner of the envelope. I just read that his middle name is Arthur.... [ [http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_1406.shtml OnlineJournal, "Rev. Ted Haggard: Still playing the game"] , By Mel Seesholtz, Ph.D. November 8, 2006]

Jones said he made his outing allegations against Haggard in response to Haggard's political support for a Colorado Amendment 43 on the November 7, 2006 Colorado ballot that would ban same-sex marriage in that state. Jones told ABC News, "I had to expose the hypocrisy. He is in the position of influence of millions of followers, and he's preaching against gay marriage. But behind everybody's back [he's] doing what he's preached against." Jones hoped that his statements would sway voters. [cite news | url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5115225,00.html | title=Accuser recounts trysts with 'Art' | publisher=Rocky Mountain News | date=November 3, 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-03]

Voice analysis expert Richard Sanders compared the voice of Haggard from a television interview to that of the voicemails released by Jones and announced preliminary results stating that the voice on the voicemail is most likely that of Haggard. According to an article from KUSA, "Sanders makes his decision by comparing the resonance of the voice, the play of one's tongue and the inflection of vowel sounds." [cite news | url=http://www.9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUSA&IKOBJECTID=ac2e5ae3-0abe-421a-002e-f8d72bfbc01f&TEMPLATEID=0c76dce6-ac1f-02d8-0047-c589c01ca7bf | title=Voice expert says voice probably Haggard in messages | publisher=KUSA | date=November 3, 2006 | first= Paula | last= Woodword | accessdate = 2006-11-03]

Jones volunteered to take a polygraph test on a KHOW radio show hosted by Peter Boyles, where Jones first made the allegations. However, Jones's responses during the section of the polygraph test about whether he had engaged in sex with Haggard indicated deception. The test administrator, John Kresnik, discounted the test results because of Jones's stress and lack of eating or sleeping. Regardless, Haggard responded by saying "We're so grateful that he failed a polygraph test this morning, my accuser did." Jones was not asked questions about drug use. Jones expressed doubt that he would retake the test, saying "I've made my point. He's the one who has discredited himself. He should admit it and move on." [cite news | url=http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4597552 | title=Haggard's accuser fails lie detector | work=The Denver Post | date=November 3, 2006 | first= Mike | last= McPhee | accessdate = 2006-11-03]

Rumors prior to the Jones allegations

Greg Montoya, editor of "Out Front Colorado", a Denver LGBT newspaper, told the Colorado Springs "Gazette" that "rumors about Haggard's love life have circulated through Denver's gay community for the past year. But we didn't know it involved Mike Jones.'" [cite news | url=http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061103/NEWS/611030372/1002/NEWS01 | title=Leader of evangelical group resigns amid sex allegations | publisher=The Barre Montpelier Times Argus | date=November 3, 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-06]

Montoya's disclosure was paralleled by Lou Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition and a self-proclaimed friend of Haggard, who told New York's "The Jewish Week" that he and "a lot" of other people had been aware of Pastor Haggard's same-sex behavior "for a while... but we weren't sure just how to deal with it.... Ted and I had a discussion. He said homosexuality is genetic. I said, no it isn't. But I just knew he was covering up. They need to say that." [cite news | url=http://thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3?artid=13253 | title=Christian Right Agenda In Shambles After GOP Defeat | publisher=The Jewish Week | date=November 10, 2006 | first=Larry | last=Cohler-Esses | accessdate = 2006-11-13]

Response to allegations

Haggard initially claimed he had never heard of his accuser and denied having ever done drugs and stated "I have not, I have never had a gay relationship with anybody." [ [http://wm.kusa.gannett.edgestreams.net/news/1162599872745-11-03-06-haggard-5p.wmv A look at the contradictions in the different statements Pastor Ted Haggard has made to 9NEWS. 9NEWS at 5 p.m. November 1, 2006.] ] Many evangelical leaders initially showed support for Haggard and were critical of media reports. James Dobson issued a news release stating, "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." [cite web|url= http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=75600 |title=Focus on the Family news release November 2nd, 2006]

Later however, Haggard resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. [cite news | url=http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1326038 | title=Haggard resigns national role amid allegations |publisher=Colorado Springs Gazette | date=November 2, 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-03] He went on administrative leave from his position as senior pastor of New Life Church, saying "I am voluntarily stepping aside from leadership so that the overseer process can be allowed to proceed with integrity. I hope to be able to discuss this matter in more detail at a later date. In the interim, I will seek both spiritual advice and guidance."cite news | url=http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5112770,00.html | title=Haggard steps down amid sex allegations |publisher=Rocky Mountain News | date=November 2, 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-03]

On November 2, 2006, senior church officials told Colorado Springs television station KKTV that Haggard has admitted to some of the claims made by Jones. [cite news | url=http://www.kktv.com/news/headlines/4557411.html | title=Church Leader Says Haggard Admits To Some Indiscretions|publisher=KKTV | date=2006-11-03 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-03] In an e-mail to New Life Church parishioners sent on the evening of November 2, Acting Senior Pastor Ross Parsley wrote, "It is important for you to know that he [Haggard] confessed to the overseers that some of the accusations against him are true." [cite news | url= http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4597813 | title=Haggard admits buying meth | publisher=Denver Post | date=2006-12-06 |first=Mike | last=McPhee | coauthors=Eric Gorski | accessdate = 2007-01-01]

Haggard admitted on November 3, 2006 that he had purchased methamphetamine and received a massage from Jones, but he denied using the drugs or having sex with Jones. "I called him to buy some meth, but I threw it away. I bought it for myself but never used it", Haggard claimed in a television interview, and added, "I was tempted, but I never used it". [cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15536263/ | title=Haggard admits 'sexual immorality', apologizes | publisher=MSNBC | date=2006-11-05 | accessdate= 2007-01-01]

As it became apparent that some of the claims were true, some evangelical leaders such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell sought to downplay Haggard's influence on religious conservatives and downplay the importance of the NAE." [cite web|url= http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/index.php?ntid=106177&ntpid=2 |title=Wineke: Haggard's 'friends' greater hypocrites|work=Wisconsin State Journal|date=2006-11-06|accessdate=2007-01-01|first=Bill|last=Wineke] On his television show, "The 700 Club", Robertson said, "We're sad to see any evangelical leader fall" and also said the claim that the NAE represents thirty million people "just isn't true.... We can't get their financial data. I think it's because they have very little money and very little influence". During a CNN interview, Jerry Falwell went on record saying, " [Haggard] doesn't really lead the movement. He's president of an association that's very loose-knit... and no one has looked to them for leadership." [cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/03/AR2006110301617.html | title=Minister Admits to Buying Drugs and Massage | publisher=Washington Post | date=2006-11-04 | first=Alan | last=Cooperman | accessdate=2006-11-16] White House spokesman Tony Fratto sought to downplay Haggard's influence on the White House by saying that Haggard was only occasionally part of the weekly calls between evangelical leaders and the White House and had visited there only "a couple" of times. [cite news | url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/haggard_politics | title=Haggard Case Fuels Debate Over Hypocrisy | first=David |last=Crary |publisher=the Associated Press via Yahoo News | date=2006-11-03 ]

James Dobson issued another public statement saying he was "heartsick" of learning about Haggard's admissions and that "the possibility that an illicit relationship has occurred is alarming to us and to millions of others." He also stated that " [Haggard] will continue to be my friend, even if the worst allegations prove accurate" but "nevertheless, sexual sin, whether homosexual or heterosexual, has serious consequences." [http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/03/haggard.allegations/ Church forces out Haggard for 'sexually immoral conduct']

Dobson initially offered to help counsel Haggard, but later announced a change of mind. “It is with great regret - and after much prayer and discussion with friends and family - that I have had to reconsider my involvement in the panel overseeing Ted’s restoration,” Dobson said in a statement. “Emotionally and spiritually, I wanted to be of help - but the reality is I don’t have the time to devote to such a critical responsibility.”

Admission and removal from job

On November 3, 2006, Haggard resigned his leadership of the National Association of Evangelicals. The National Association of Evangelicals posted a statement accepting his resignation. Leith Anderson was appointed as the new president on November 7 2006. [http://www.nae.net/TedHaggard.pdf]

The "Overseer Board of New Life Church" released a prepared statement on the afternoon of November 4 2006 that stated: "Our investigation and Pastor Haggard's public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct." The board cited the bylaws of the megachurch and said his conduct compelled them to remove him from his job.

During a New Life Church service on Sunday, November 5, 2006 another pastor read a letter from Haggard that stated:

quotation
I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment for all of you.... The fact is I am guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem. I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life.... The accusations that have been leveled against me are not all true, but enough of them are true that I have been appropriately and lovingly removed from ministry.|Ted Haggard|letter to New Life Church [cite news | url=http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1326184 | title=Ted Haggard's letter to New Life Church | work=Colorado Springs Gazette | date=November 5, 2006 | first= Ted | last= Haggard | accessdate = 2006-11-05] Haggard went on to say that his removal was permanent, and that until a new senior pastor could be found, Ross Parsley, the Associate Senior Pastor, would hold that position. [ [http://www.newlifechurch.org/pressrelease110606.pdf] , [http://www.newlifechurch.org/GayleHaggardLetter.pdf] ]

Haggard was counseled by a team including Jack Hayford and Tommy Barnett who stated their intention to "perform a thorough analysis of Haggard’s mental, spiritual, emotional and physical life,” including the use of polygraph tests.cite news| url=http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1326205&secid=1 |title=Dobson, 2 ministers to offer counsel |last=McGraw |first=Carol |work=Colorado Springs Gazette |date=2006-11-06 |accessdate=2006-11-06] The team was to include James Dobson, who later stepped aside, citing time constraints. [http://www.krdotv.com/story.cfm?nav=news&storyID=1353]

In April 2007, Ted and Gayle Haggard moved to Phoenix, Arizona to start anew and continue the "restoration" process. They will attend Phoenix First Assembly of God, whose pastor, Tommy Barnett, was on his counseling team. Ted Haggard reached an agreement with New Life Church on a severance package which will pay him through 2007; one of the conditions was that he had to leave the Colorado Springs area. [ [http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=68347 9NEWS.com | Colorado's Online News Leader | Ted Haggard leaves Colorado for Phoenix ] ] His last reported income was $138,000 not including benefits.

Since the scandal broke, attendance at New Life Church has been down about 20 percent with financial support falling 10 percent. As a consequence the church has laid off 44 employees representing about 12 percent of their workforce. [cite news| url = http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/041907dnnathaggard.2acf8d8.html | title = Disgraced minister Ted Haggard moving to Phoenix | publisher = Dallas Morning News ]

Claims of complete heterosexuality

In February 2007, Haggard sent an e-mail to friends, in which he stated his intention to move away from Colorado Springs to suburban New Orleans and, along with his wife, earn a degree in psychology. [ [http://origin.denverpost.com/rapids/ci_5159405 The Denver Post - Haggards will leave Colo. Springs ] ] According to a report published by Associated Press, Tim Ralph of the counseling team stated that evidence suggested that Haggard is "completely heterosexual" and that his only extramarital sexual contacts have been with former prostitute Mike Jones. Ralph said, "It was the acting-out situations where things took place. It wasn't a constant thing." [http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Haggard-Sex-Allegations.html]

The claim has been satirized, most notably by Dan Savage in his Valentine's Day Savage Love column, and by the satirical singer-songwriter Roy Zimmerman, who wrote a song about the statement. [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZmHC75FDqQ Roy Zimmerman singing a song about Haggard's "heterosexual statement"] on YouTube]

Jones responded to Ted Haggard's announcement: [ [http://pageoneq.com/news/2006/haggard020706.html Mike Jones responds to Ted Haggard's announcement of his heterosexuality] ]

Well, that's the quickest therapy I've ever heard of. It's hard for me to imagine someone who is performing oral sex and saying that he is "straight." That just doesn't jive. If you were to ask me "Do I think is Ted Haggard gay?" I would have to say "yes."

Jones explained that he could only speak to the time he spent with Haggard, that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with the minister, and that their time together "indicated a gay man to me."

On February 6, 2008, the new pastor at New Life Church, former home to Ted Haggard, issued a press release announcing that Haggard had requested to leave the team created to "restore" him and that as Haggard's restoration is "incomplete", he is not welcome to return to vocational ministry at New Life. [ [http://www.coloradoconfidential.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3422 Colorado Confidential:: Ted Haggard Quits New Life 'Restoration Team' ] ]

Since leaving the church

In August 2007, Haggard released a statement asking for monetary donations to help support his family while he and his wife attend classes at the University of Phoenix, a university offering online degrees. The former pastor also said that his family was moving into the Dream Center, a Phoenix based halfway house which ministers to recovering convicts, drug addicts, prostitutes etc. Haggard is pursuing a degree in counseling while his wife Gayle is studying psychology. [ [http://www.gazette.com/articles/haggard_26460___article.html/church_new.html "Haggard appeals for financial help"] , "Colorado Springs Gazette", August 25, 2007] [ [http://krdo.images.worldnow.com/images/INCOMING/haggardletter.doc Text of a letter from Haggard, undated (Word document)] , posted by KRDO (via worldnow.com)]

Following Haggard's request for donations, a member of Haggard's restoration team said he should have consulted with them before releasing a statement. News media pointed to his reported income: in 2006, he received $115,000 for the 10 months he worked and also received an $85,000 anniversary bonus shortly before the scandal broke; after the scandal broke, the board of trustees of New Life Church agreed to give him an $138,000 severance. Additionally, the Haggards have a home in Colorado Springs, Colorado that is valued at more than $700,000 and Haggard still receives royalties from books he has authored. [ [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294538,00.html "Disgraced Pastor Ted Haggard Asks Supporters for Cash"] , "Associated Press", August 25, 2007]

Questions also surfaced about the tax-exempt group Haggard asked that donations be sent to, on his behalf: Families With a Mission. According to Haggard, the group would use 10% of donations for administrative costs and forward 90% to Haggard. But the group was dissolved in February 2007, according to the Colorado Secretary of State.

A few days after Haggard's initial email statement, his restoration team stepped in to say his statement was "inappropriate" and that "Haggard was a little ahead of himself". They indicated that Haggard would not be working at the Dream Center or in ministry of any kind and that they advised Haggard to seek secular employment to support himself and his family. [Tillie Fong, [http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5685442,00.html "Overseers tell Haggard: Stop asking for money and get a job"] , "Rocky Mountain News", August 29, 2007] [Nicole Vap, [http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=76354 "Haggard told to change his plans"] , 9News.com, August 29, 2007] [ [http://kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=7003120 "Church overseers: Haggard's e-mail "inappropriate"] , "Associated Press", August 29, 2007]

In June 2008 the severance deal with the New Life Church ended and Haggard was "free to live where he wanted" and returned to Colorado Springs after living in Arizona since 2007. [cite news | url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNSsiRhqa7bQlrClUE4-XRPgR-kwD91FFCB00 | title=Pastor: Haggard has left 'restoration program' | publisher=Associated Press |date= June 22, 2008 | first= | last= | accessdate =2008-07-17] Also in June, an email surfaced showing that Haggard admitted masturbating with Jones and taking drugs as alleged in 2006.cite news | url=http://www.krdo.com/Global/story.asp?S=8556903&nav=menu552_1 | title=Former Pastor Ted Haggard Sexaholic, says Friend | publisher=KRDO-TV |date= June 25, 2008 | first= | last= | accessdate =2008-07-17] Kurt Serpe, who provided the email, said Haggard "craved sex, he was a sexaholic."

Books

* "The Life-Giving Church" (2001) ISBN 0-8307-2659-4
* "Dog Training, Fly Fishing, and Sharing Christ in the 21st Century" (2002) ISBN 0-7852-6514-7
* "Primary Purpose" (1995) ISBN 0-88419-381-0
* "Loving Your City into the Kingdom" (1997) ISBN 0-8307-1895-8—(with Jack W. Hayford)
* "Taking It to the Streets" (2005) ISBN 0-8307-3729-4
* "Confident Parents, Exceptional Teens" (1999) ISBN 0-310-23339-9—(with John Bolin)
* "Simple Prayers for a Powerful Life" (2002) ISBN 0-8307-3055-9
* "Foolish No More!" (2005) ISBN 1-4000-7028-7
* "Letters From Home" (2003) ISBN 0-8307-3058-3
* "The Jerusalem Diet" (2005) ISBN 1-4000-7220-4
* "Your Primary Purpose" (2006) ISBN 1-59185-623-X
* "From This Day Forward: Making Your Vows Last a Lifetime" (2006) ISBN 1-4000-7255-7—(with Gayle Haggard)

ee also

* Christian evangelist scandals
* Homosexuality and Christianity
* Reaction formation
* Conversion therapy
* World Prayer Center

References

reflist|2

External links

Official

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20060424082945/http://www.tedhaggard.com/ Official website] (Internet Archive)

News articles and interviews

* [http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5114179,00.html 2004 profile in the "Rocky Mountain News"]
* [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2003/122/21.0.html Interview with "Christianity Today": June 2003] [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/november/20.41.html and November 2005]
* [http://www.graceforlife.com/2006_1107.mp3 Is Ted Haggard A Deceiver and A Liar? – Theological Study On Biblical Identity]
* [http://kgnu.net/audio/Metro_2006-11-09.mp3 Psychologists Panel Discussion of Haggard Sex Scandal] KGNU Boulder 11/9/2006
* [http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1326184&secid=1 Text of Haggard's letter to the New Life church] , November 5, 2006