Pastor Ted Haggard, New Life Evangelical Church

During this election period, one group of “potential voters” has been quieter than normal. They boasted that they were responsible for the President being in office. They’ve accused Independents and Democrats of being “heathens” in so many words, and they claim that they have an understanding with God that assures their candidates are the “moral leaders” of America. They are extremely judgemental, opinionated and biased. They are also clearly an extension of the Republican party. Who are “they?” They are the “evangelical Christians,” or as I like to call them, the self righteous Republicans. I’ve talked about how the “evangelical christian” movement, in my opinion, is more about political agendas than spreading the good news and the love of Jesus Christ and now their dirty laundry is beginning to be aired out like a clothesline in a summer breeze.

Tom Delay led the scandal with accusations about money laundering and connections to Abromoff. Even though Delay denies any involvement with Abromoff, it is interesting that two of his top aids have gone down with the “Abromoff ship” with indictments. Mark Foley’s congressional page scandal followed suit. He was secretly chasing after underage high school boys. More Republicans, that use strong language against gays and gay marriage, are coming out of the closet like a woman’s shoes before a first date. Why is this important? Delay, Abromoff, and many other Republican “leaders” all have direct ties to “evangelical christian” groups and claim to be themselves. Now, one of the top “evangelical” figure heads, Ted Haggard, is immersed in a scandal that is sure to rock the election next week and the “evangelical” movement for months to come. Here is a video of Haggard ridiculing and condemning gay relationships. I am not in favor of gay marriage either, but I disagree with his methods of “bashing”…

[youtube=http://youtube.com/w/?v=W6rSjrBhUIA]

If you have not heard of Ted Haggard, you will be soon. Ted Haggard is the outspoken “evangelical christian” pastor of New Life Evangelical Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the head of the 30 million member National Association of Evangelicals, the largest “evangelical christian” group in the country. He has been accused of allegedly having a sexual relationship with another man for the past 3 years. Mike Jones, a 49-year-old male prostitute, raised the scandal when he told a radio station he had been engaged in a three-year sexual relationship with the minister. Due to the allegations and the impending investigations that have followed, Haggard has resigned from both of his leadership positions. If you are not guilty, why would you give up your post instead of fight to defend your honor?

Well, today in an interview Haggard admitted to receiving a massage from Jones, but denies a sexual relationship. Why would a straight man want a massage from another man that is not a masseuse? Why would a straight man want a massage from another man that is a masseuse? Why would a straight man want a message from a man period? Haggard also admits he bought methamphetamine from Jones because he was “curious,” but he says that he did not use them. So where are the drugs now then? Jones also has taped conversations with Haggard on his voice-mail. Why would he save those messages? Haggard has been known to boast that he has a direct line to President Bush with a weekly conference call. Bush’s advisers are falling quicker than Julius Caesar’s empire did!

Due to Haggard’s resignation, Ross Parsley has assumed the role of acting senior pastor at New Life Church. In an e-mail to congregants, he informed them that the church’s four-member board of overseers had met with Haggard on Thursday. He also informed them of the following information:

“It is important for you to know that he confessed to the overseers that some of the accusations against him are true. 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.”

Why would you resign if the information were not true?Media sources have reported that many members of his 14,000 member church were stunned. The “evangelical christian” political party is falling as fast as its counter part…the Republican Party. Why lie when you know allegations are true? Delay did it, Foley did it, and Haggard has done it. Haggard’s accuser did fail a polygraph test given by a radio station, but that does not negate the things Haggard has admitted to. This story is one that is sure to continue to unfold over the upcoming weeks. I believe the truth is probably in the middle, meaning Haggard purchased drugs from him, received massages and anticipated a sexual relationship, but not for three years. The credibility of Jones, to me, is a little shaky because he saved the messages for a period of time like a set up. Most people that are in this type of lifestyle seek anonymity.

Self proclaimed evangelicals are forgetting the most important tenant of Christianity…it is not what you say, it is all about how you live your life with integrity.