Prominent US evangelical leader Ted Haggard has confessed some of the shocking accusations against him are true.
Dismay and shock roared over evangelical leaders after hearing allegations that Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, had gay relations with a former prostitute. Following immediate denial of the accusations, Haggard told his church staff at New Life that Jones' claims were not all false.In a memo to staff members of New Life Church, acting senior pastor Ross Parsley wrote, "It is important for you to know that he confessed to the overseers that some of the accusations against him are true," after the board of overseers had met with Haggard. "He has willingly and humbly submitted to the authority of the board of overseers, and will remain on administrative leave during the course of the investigation," according to Christianity Today.
Haggard recently resigned as president of the 30-million member NAE.
Although Parsely does not yet have precise details, he told Colorado Springs television station KKTV, "I just know there has been some admission of indiscretion.
"Not admission to all of the material that has been discussed. But there is an admission of some guilt, and that's what we're working with, with outside overseers who are working with Pastor Ted and his family to investigate what's happened here."
Meanwhile, Jones, 49, failed a polygraph test early Friday morning about the accuracy of his accusations. Jones said Haggard had paid him to have sex nearly every month over three years. A man who called himself Art had contact Jones, who had advertised himself as an escort on the Internet. And later Jones saw the man on television identified as Haggard.
The polygraph test was taken at 5 a.m. this morning and the test administrator, John Kresnik, said Jones' score indicated "deceptions" in his answers. However, Kresnik said he doubted the accuracy of the test he administered because of the recent stress on Jones and his inability to eat or sleep, according to the Denver Post. He suggested a re-test early next week.
Evangelical leaders meanwhile have expressed shock and sadness at the breaking news while extending their prayers to Haggard.
