World
Church Copes With Haggard Confession
By Sarah Pollak and Lee Webb
CBN News
November 6, 2006
CBNNews.com -- Reverend Ted Haggard is out as senior pastor of the Colorado church he founded more than 20 years ago.
In a letter read by New Life Church's Pastor Larry Stockstill Sunday, Haggard admitted to sexual immorality.
He said, "The fact is, I am guilty of sexual immorality and I take responsibility for the entire problem. Please forgive me. I'm so embarrassed and ashamed. I caused this and I have no excuse. I am a sinner; I have fallen and desperately need to be healed."
Haggard said he has struggled all of his adult life with what he called "repulsive and dark" desires.
He was fired by the church's independent overseer board on Saturday after allegations that he bought methamphetamine and paid a male prostitute for sex.
"We had discovered sexual immorality, which for us we considered discipline and dismissal, and we determined that dismissal was the only option we had," said New Life board member Rev. Michael Ware.
The brokenness of New Life Church members was evident on Sunday morning.
But many said their faith remains strong despite his dismissal and confession.
"I really appreciate Pastor Ted's apology and I sincerely forgive him," said one church member.
Haggard's wife, Gayle Haggard, also wrote a letter to the women of the church, read by Stockstill on Sunday.
"Know that Ted believes in his heart and soul everything he has ever taught you. Those things you are putting into practice. He is now the visible and public evidence that every man, woman and child needs a savior," said Mrs. Haggard.
One of the church members added," I don't follow after a man, I follow after Jesus."
Rev. Ted Haggard is not the first pastor who has been forced to step down from his position because of an indiscretion.
Dr. Cal Frett is vice president of Pastor-in-Residence. It's a Christian ministry that counsels pastors who have been forced to leave the ministry for one reason or another.
Watch an interview with Dr. Frett.
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