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June is Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, so it would have been a convenient bit of headline synergy if disgraced megachurch pastor Ted Haggard’s big announcement this morning were that he and his loyal wife Gayle would no longer be fighting his “homosexual urges.“
Instead, we just got official confirmation of last month’s scoop: the Haggards are starting a new ministry, called St. James Church.
During his press conference at his Colorado Springs home, surrounded by his family, Haggard said his new church’s theme would be to “help other people go through the difficult times in their lives.” Everyone will be welcome: Democrat, Republican, gay, straight, addicts, tall, short, etc.
This career move comes three and a half years after Haggard, once the head of the National Association of Evangelicals and a spiritual advisor to President George W. Bush, was outed by a male prostitute for allegedly soliciting gay sex and buying crystal meth. The pastor credits counseling, prayer and the support of his family for helping him become heterosexual again, though “with issues.” (For more on these struggles, check out HBO’s The Trials of Ted Haggard, or Gayle Haggard’s book, Why I Stayed.)
“Because of what we’ve been through, I may be able to help other people in need,” he explained, during the press conference.
Haggard said that he doesn’t expect St. James to become another megachurch, but “helping one is better than helping none.” The church’s name comes from the Bible’s book of James, which emphasizes good works along with faith; Haggard said it stems from the ”tangible form” of love and help that his family received after his fall from grace.
The Haggards will have a launch party this Sunday at their home, and the first official service in three weeks.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
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posted June 2, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Haggard = Huckster until proven otherwise. We’ll see.
posted June 2, 2010 at 1:27 pm
One of the factors people fail to take into account at times like this is that — rightly or wrongly — when assessing possible career moves, many former pastors realize they really don’t know how to do anything else.
posted June 2, 2010 at 2:14 pm
To “help other people go through the difficult times in their lives.”
How about helping people cope with REALITY? And to always tell the truth/ Haggard has done neither.
what a shame he will (undoubtedly) get another ‘following’ – the damage this man has done to Christianity is sad.
CAPTCHA: “Kidnapping must” (‘must’ WHAT?)
posted June 2, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Haggard’s new church= el floppo. It’s simple as that ladies and gentlemen. If Haggard is tr8 as he claims to be. Perhaps Obama should go Republican and put Palin in his tockeyt as V.P. Go figure!
posted June 2, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Like this is a surprise to anyone?
posted June 2, 2010 at 6:16 pm
In another article he mentioned that everyone is invited to worship with his new Church, but there would be no same sex marriages.
posted June 3, 2010 at 11:47 am
I find the snarkiness of the article appalling, for starters.
Beyond that, I guess the idea that he’s starting an apparently liberal “all welcome” church doesn’t even appease the Angry Spirits who write for Beliefnet.
I actually find it refreshing that he’s getting a second chance. Why not? Especially one that will focus on doing Good Works and not just filling pews and spouting empty promises. Isn’t that worth celebrating, not snarking about and trashing?
posted June 3, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Haggard simply does not get it. Being a closet case for Jesus is the height of hypocisy.
posted June 5, 2010 at 11:32 am
THE SCRIPTURE SAYS HEAPING TO THEMSELVES TEACHERS HAVING ITCHING EARS, TED IS GOING TO SIMPLY TELL THEM WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR NOT WHAT THEY NEED TO HEAR.
posted June 5, 2010 at 11:58 am
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IF TED STARTS PREACHING AGAINST THOSE TYPE OF LIFE STYLES.
posted June 5, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Maybe Ted will follow his own teachings this time…instead of doing exactly what he preached against…homosexuality…by having a guy on the side. Should be interesting…as I wonder if he has actually given up the “guy”.
posted June 13, 2010 at 11:24 am
that s very simple that the life of ted haggard it the example of all ministers to watch and pray..
posted June 13, 2010 at 11:28 am
Meaning that the satan is the Lion looking some one to devour.meaning if you make mistake..the consequences are yours.
consequence:
1. You will be exposed, its hurt when you expose your sin
posted August 12, 2010 at 6:20 pm
What really pisses me off is that everyone held this guy in some kind of superhuman status…and then…God forbid….he failed….he repented without any defensive excuses (for the most part) took full responsibility for his actions…and has had his reputation smeared…and will have it so for the rest of his life, but they just keep kicking the dead dog because he says…according to the bible…homosexuality is still wrong…all this and….’They’ call Christians intolerant….its amazing
posted August 12, 2010 at 6:21 pm
yeah…really amazing
posted January 17, 2011 at 10:23 am
I just watched Ted and Gayles story of coming back and starting a new church. My heart was so full last night, it was hard not to cry. I am so filled with joy over how God has brought them back, they are an amazing family and people need to lay off!!! They are o.k. now but you people who continue to harass them, you WILL face the Lord yourself one day, how will that look? I would be careful if I were you! God wants us to LOVE one another….did you get that>> LOVE….LOVE…LOVE…that is not holding people up in judgment, continuing to hold their sin against them, leave them alone because in sitting in judgment of them, you are sinning worse than they were. Congratulations Ted and Gayle, you have gone thru the fire and come out stronger….bless you so much!!!!! Love you all…