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Ted Haggard

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File:Ted Haggard.jpg
Ted Haggard

Ted Arthur Haggard (born June 27, 1956) is a former American evangelical preacher. Known as Pastor Ted to the congregation he once served, he is the founder and former pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was a founder of the Association of Life-Giving Churches.

On November 3, 2006, he resigned his leadership of the National Association of Evangelicals[1] and stepped aside as pastor of his church because of allegations by former prostitute[2] and masseur Mike Jones that Haggard engaged in sex with him for three years and used methamphetamine. 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 about gay marriage and going behind the scenes having gay sex." Haggard at first 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."[3] And later, on November 5, in a statement Haggard said, "The fact is I am guilty of sexual immorality."[4]

Early life and work

Haggard was born in Indiana.[5] He became a born-again Christian in 1972, after he heard a sermon from the late evangelist Bill Bright in Dallas. He was educated at Oral Roberts University, a charismatic Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In 1978, Haggard married Gayle Alcorn.[6] The couple have five children: Christy (1984); Marcus (1986), who is also a pastor; Jonathan (1989); Alex (1992); and Elliot (1995).[7]

In November 1984, he was associate pastor of a megachurch in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. According to Haggard, a fellow, Danny Ost, had a vision of Haggard founding his church in Colorado Springs. Haggard moved to Colorado shortly afterwards and founded New Life Church. Initially, the church space was Haggard's own basement, growing to rented spaces in strip malls.[8] New Life Church now operates from a campus in northern Colorado Springs and reports a membership of fourteen thousand people.[9]

Ideology

Theology

Haggard 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 believes that there is one, all-knowing God, and that humans were created to be with him. His beliefs reflect biblical inerrancy and biblical literalism.[10]

Politics

In 2005, Haggard was listed by Time magazine as one of the top 25 most influential evangelicals in America.[11] Haggard is a firm supporter of President George W. Bush, and is often credited with rallying evangelicals behind Bush during the 2004 election.[12] Author Jeff Sharlet reported in 2005 that Haggard "talks to… Bush or his advisers every Monday" and opines that "no pastor in America holds more sway over the political direction of evangelicalism."[13] In a June 2005 Wall Street Journal article, "Ted Haggard, the head of the 30-million strong National Association of Evangelicals, jokes 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."[14]

Haggard believes 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.[15]

Teachings on homosexuality

Haggard has condemned homosexuality. 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."[16] Although Haggard opposes same-sex marriage, he has suggested that states should be free to enact civil unions for homosexual couples.[17]

Under Haggard's leadership, the NAE released "For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility" in the fall of 2004,[18] "a document urging engagement in traditional culture war issues such as abortion and gay marriage but also poverty, education, taxes, welfare and immigration."[18] The NAE has stated that "[h]omosexual activity, like adulterous relationships, is clearly con­demned in the Scriptures."[19] Haggard focused ministry efforts on homosexuals early in his Colorado Springs ministry by frequenting gay bars and inviting men to his congregation.[20]

Television and movie appearances

File:Dawins and Haggard.jpg
Richard Dawkins and Haggard

Haggard has appeared on several broadcast network programs, including Dateline NBC and ABC's 20/20. He also appears in the movie Jesus Camp.[21][22]

In early 2006, University of Oxford Professor Richard Dawkins interviewed Haggard as part of a British television documentary entitled The Root of All Evil? during which they had a forthright discussion of the origin of the eye, evolution, and the age of the earth. As Dawkins and his film crew were packing up to leave, there was a brief altercation in the car parking lot. According to Dawkins, Haggard ordered Dawkins' crew off his land with the words "You called my children animals," and threated legal action and confiscation of their recording equipment. Later, Dawkins speculated that Haggard was upset that Dawkins had defended evolution in their earlier discussions.[23]

Sex and drugs scandal

Wikinews has related news:

Allegations

On November 1, 2006, Mike Jones alleged 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" and sometimes Haggard would pay him extra.[24] 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."[25]

Jones claims Haggard had in fact used drugs in front of him,[24] but he said he never actually sold drugs to Haggard but instead introduced him to someone he could purchase it from.

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....[26]

Jones said he made his outing allegations against Haggard in response to Haggard's political support for a proposed amendment 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."[25] Jones hoped that his statements would sway voters.[27]

Jones volunteered to take a polygraph test on a KHOW radio show hosted by Peter Boyles, where Jones first made the allegations. However, Jones' responses during the section of the polygraph test about whether he had engaged in sex with Haggard indicated deception. 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. The test administrator expressed doubt about the accuracy of the test because of Jones's recent stress and resulting inability to eat or sleep. Jones says he doubts he will retake the test.[28]

Voice analysis expert Richard Sanders has 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."[29]

Knowledge prior to the allegations

Greg Montoya, editor of Out Front Colorado, a Denver GLBT 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.'"[30]

Montoya's disclosure was paralleled by Lou Sheldon, chairman of the anti-gay Traditional Values Coalition and a self-described 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 awhile... 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."[31]

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."[32] 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."[33]

Later however, Haggard resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals.[34] 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."[35]

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.[36] 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."[37]

Haggard admitted on November 3 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 radio interview, and added, "I was tempted, but I never used it."[38]

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 also deny that the NAE is very important."[39] 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 would go 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."[40] 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.[41]

James Dobson, however, 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" and "nevertheless, sexual sin, whether homosexual or heterosexual, has serious consequences."[42]

Admission and removal from job

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 mega-church 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:

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[43]

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.

Haggard is to be counseled by a team including Jack Hayford and Tommy Barnett who intend to "perform a thorough analysis of Haggard’s mental, spiritual, emotional and physical life", including the use of polygraph tests.[44] The team was to include James Dobson, who later stepped aside, citing time constraints.[45]

Books

  • The Life-Giving Church (2001) ISBN 0830726594
  • Dog Training, Fly Fishing, And Sharing Christ In The 21st Century (2002) ISBN 0785265147
  • Primary Purpose (1995) ISBN 0884193810
  • Loving Your City into the Kingdom (1997) ISBN 0830718958 - (with Jack W. Hayford)
  • Taking It to the Streets (2005) ISBN 0830737294
  • Confident Parents, Exceptional Teens (1999) ISBN 0310233399 - (with John Bolin)
  • Simple Prayers for a Powerful Life (2002) ISBN 0830730559
  • Foolish No More! (2005) ISBN 1400070287
  • Letters From Home (2003) ISBN 0830730583
  • The Jerusalem Diet (2005) ISBN 1400072204
  • Your Primary Purpose (2006) ISBN 159185623X
  • From This Day Forward (2006) ISBN 1400072557

See also

References

  1. ^ Jeff Sharlet (2005). "Soldiers of Christ: I. Inside America's most powerful megachurch". Harper's. 310 (1860): 41–54. p. 42.
  2. ^ Harris, Dan (November 3, 2005). "Evangelical Leader Denies Accusation of Paying Former Gay Prostitute for Sex". ABC News. Retrieved 2006-11-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ Banerjee, Neela (2006-11-3). "Accused of Gay Liaison, Head of Evangelical Group Resigns". The New York Times. p. 1. Retrieved 2006-11-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ Slevin, Collen (2006-11-05). "Ousted evangelist confesses to followers". Associated PressAssociated Press. p. 1. Retrieved 2006-11-05. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  5. ^ Sharlett, p.42.
  6. ^ Gorski, Eric (December 22, 2002). "Reality stems from pastor's Vision / Charismatic preachers have come". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  7. ^ Haggard, Ted (2003). "introduction". Letters from Home. Regal Books. p. 1. ISBN 0-8307-3058-3. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Sharlett, p.43-44.
  9. ^ Zoll, Rachel (2006-11-10). "Haggard scandal raises questions about 'superstar' pastors". Associated Press. Retrieved 2006-11-10.
  10. ^ "Statement of Faith". TedHaggard.com. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  11. ^ http://www.time.com/time/press_releases/article/0,8599,1022576,00.html
  12. ^ Egan, Tim (9 November 2004). "State Of The Union: The Evangelical vote". BBC News. Retrieved 2006-10-18.
  13. ^ Sharlett, p.42,43.
  14. ^ "Cheer Up, Conservatives!". Wall Street Journal. June 21, 2005. Retrieved 2006-10-18.
  15. ^ Goodstein, Laurie (February 8, 2006). "Evangelical Leaders Join Global Warming Initiative". New York Times. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  16. ^ "Pastor will shut down controversial kids camp". 2006-11-08. Retrieved 2006-11-10.
  17. ^ Abhrams, Jim (June 4, 2004). "Groups: Gay marriage issue not Congress's". Associated Press. Retrieved 2006-11-01.
  18. ^ a b Gorski, Eric (October 30, 2005). "Man of Cloth and Clout". Denver Post/Tedhaggard.com. Retrieved 2006-11-01.
  19. ^ "Same-Sex Marriage". National Association of Evangelicals. 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-01.
  20. ^ "Soldiers of Christ: Inside America's most powerful megachurch with Pastor Ted Haggard". Harper's Magazine. 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-04.
  21. ^ Gorski, Eric (09/15/2006). "Fire, brimstone around "Jesus" film". Denver Post. Retrieved 2006-11-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ JESUS CAMP responds to Ted Haggard
  23. ^ Excerpt from The Root of All Evil?
  24. ^ a b Murr, Andrew (November 3, 2006). "An Accuser's Story". MSNBC / Newsweek. Retrieved 2006-11-16.
  25. ^ a b Harris, Dan (November 3, 2006). "Haggard Admits Buying Meth". ABC News. Retrieved 2006-11-06.
  26. ^ OnlineJournal, "Rev. Ted Haggard: Still playing the game", By Mel Seesholtz, Ph.D. November 8, 2006
  27. ^ "Accuser recounts trysts with 'Art'". Rocky Mountain News. November 3, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  28. ^ McPhee, Mike (November 3, 2006). "Haggard's accuser fails lie detector". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  29. ^ Woodword, Paula (November 3, 2006). "Voice expert says voice probably Haggard in messages". KUSA. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  30. ^ "Leader of evangelical group resigns amid sex allegations". The Barre Montpelier Times Argus. November 3, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-06.
  31. ^ Cohler-Esses, Larry (November 10, 2006). "Christian Right Agenda In Shambles After GOP Defeat". The Jewish Week. Retrieved 2006-11-13.
  32. ^ A look at the contradictions in the different statements Pastor Ted Haggard has made to 9NEWS. 9NEWS at 5 p.m. November 1, 2006.
  33. ^ Focus on the Family news release November 2nd, 2006.
  34. ^ "Haggard resigns national role amid allegations". Colorado Springs Gazette. November 2, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  35. ^ "Haggard steps down amid sex allegations". Rocky Mountain News. November 2, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  36. ^ "Church Leader Says Haggard Admits To Some Indiscretions". KKTV. November 3, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  37. ^ "Haggard Admits Some Indiscretions". Denver Post. November 3, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  38. ^ "Accused pastor admits he bought meth". MSNBC. November 3, 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  39. ^ http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/index.php?ntid=106177&ntpid=2 Haggard's 'friends' greater hypocrites
  40. ^ Cooperman, Alan (November 4, 2006). "Minister Admits to Buying Drugs and Massage". Washington Post. Retrieved 2006-11-16.
  41. ^ Crary, David (November 3, 2006). "Haggard Case Fuels Debate Over Hypocrisy". the Associated Press via Yahoo News.
  42. ^ http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/03/haggard.allegations/ Church forces out Haggard for 'sexually immoral conduct'
  43. ^ Haggard, Ted (November 5, 2006). "Ted Haggard's letter to New Life Church". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2006-11-05. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ McGraw, Carol (2006-11-06). "Dobson, 2 ministers to offer counsel". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved 2006-11-06.
  45. ^ http://www.krdotv.com/story.cfm?nav=news&storyID=1353

Official

News articles and interviews

Preceded by President of the National Association of Evangelicals
2003–2006 		Succeeded by
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