Haggard “admitting that some of the allegations” are true

News13, Colorado Springs: Haggard Admits to Some of the Allegations

Pastor Ted Haggard is now admitting that some of the allegations by former gay escort, Mike Jones are true.

In an e-mail obtained by NEWSCHANNEL 13, Acting Senior Pastor Ross Parsley says Haggard confessed to the board of overseers. Parsley told members of New Life Church; ” 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.”

The e-mail goes on to say the leadership team is strong and untied[sic]. We remain resolute in our commitment to serving New Life Church and the people of our community. It also asks members to continue to keep Ted and Gayle and their family in your prayers.

Ted Haggard was the Senior Pastor of the 14-thousand member New Life Church in Colorado Springs. He placed himself on leave from his church duties Thursday afternoon. He also resigned from his position as President of the National Association of Evangelicals.

Jones told reporters that he is stepping forward with the charges now because he is concerned that Haggard doesn’t practice what he preaches. Jones laid out his charges during a talk show on Denver radio station KHOW. Jones also accused Haggard of using drugs.

Pastor Haggard first denied the accusations in an interview with Denver television station KUSA Wednesday night. Haggard told the television station that he doesn’t know Mike Jones and has never had a relationship outside his marriage.

Haggard has been a vocal supporter of the Colorado Marriage Amendment, which would place language in the state constitution defining marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman. That amendment has drawn angry opposition from gay rights groups.

Many Haggard supporters question the timing of the allegations just days before the general election. The group, Coloradans for Marriage, issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying, “This is a difficult situation for Pastor Haggard and his family. However we will not let this distract our efforts to pass the Colorado Marriage Amendment…”

Mike Jones, the male escort making the charges against Haggard, claims to have voice messages and other evidence that will support his charges. Jones claims his relationship with Haggard continued over a three-year period.

I have always said: Show me a homophobe, I’ll show you a closeted gay man. I predict that this will have a significant impact on the “Colorado Marriage Amendment”. Right now, though, I am unsure what that impact will be. The hypocrisy of this man could kill the measure, or it could ignite the far right wing to come out and vote anti-gay. Guess we’ll know on November 8.

ETA: Thanks to thesecondcircle for this tip. It seems that KKTV in Colorado Springs has an interview with the new pastor, and he states that Haggard has admitted “some indiscretions”. There is video as well. Link here.