Controversial US evangelical Rev Ted Haggard has agreed to resign as the leader of the New Life Church, after its investigative board issued a recommendation for his removal. The recommendation stated that he was guilty of "sexually immoral conduct".
|PIC1|New Life Church stated, "We, the Overseer Board of New Life Church, have concluded our deliberations concerning the moral failings of Pastor Ted Haggard. Our investigation and Pastor Haggard's public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct."
Earlier this week an "escort" reported that Haggard, who has also resigned from his position as the president of the US National Association of Evangelicals, had been paying him to partake in homosexual relations for three years.
As the rumours emerged, Haggard denied the accusations, however, he has now acknowledged to have at least paid the man for a massage, as well as buying methamphetamine from him.
Haggard's position within the church will be temporarily filled by Rev Ross Parsley until a permanent replacement is chosen. However, the statement gave a target to fulfil this by at least by the end of the year.
The statement from the church continued, "The language of our church bylaws state that as Overseers we must decide in cases where the Senior Pastor has 'demonstrated immoral conduct' whether we must 'remove the pastor from his position or discipline him in anyway they deem necessary'."
It continued, "In consultation with leading evangelical and experts familiar with the type of behavior Pastor Haggard has demonstrated, we have decided that the most positive and productive direction for our church is his dismissal and removal."
One elder from New Life Church, James Groesbeck, reported to AP that he was satisfied with the investigative board's quick action. He said, "I'm saddened by what came out, but I think they've done their job."
"I think it's going to be really difficult in a week or two."
-
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
-
7 symbolic details we often miss about Jesus’ birth
-
The King's Christmas speech: which Gospel?
-
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
-
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
-
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
Most Popular
related articles
US Evangelical Requests Reconciliation Meeting with Chavez
US Evangelical Requests Reconciliation Meeting with Chavez
National Association of Evangelicals President Emphasises Need for Change
National Association of Evangelicals President Emphasises Need for Change
US Evangelical Head Confesses to Shocking Accusations
US Evangelical Head Confesses to Shocking Accusations
Haggard's Fall from Grace - What Next for the National Association of Evangelicals?
Haggard's Fall from Grace - What Next for the National Association of Evangelicals?
News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.