Dismay as US Evangelical Leader Confesses to Gay Relationship

Further controversy has overwhelmed the American evangelical Church this week as the founding pastor of the 2,100 member Grace Chapel resigns following his confession that he has taken part in homosexual relations.

Having led the church for 28 years, Paul Barnes, who also has a wife and two adult daughters, broke the news to his congregation on Sunday via a video-taped message.

Associate pastor Dave Palmer said in a written statement: "While we cannot condone what he has done, we continue to support and love Paul."

The turn of events will further shock the American Christian nation, after last month's revelations that Ted Haggard, founder of the 14,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs, confessed to sexually immoral conduct.

Haggard was also forced to resign from his position as president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE).

Barnes confessed to Palmer last week, and a board of elders held an emergency meeting on Thursday where they accepted the resignation of Barnes.

Barnes, 54, said: "I have struggled with homosexuality since I was a 5-year-old boy. I can't tell you the number of nights I have cried myself to sleep, begging God to take this away."

Despite the developments, Barnes confirmed his belief that the Bible clearly teaches that homosexuality is a sin.