Friday, November 03, 2006

Evangelical Bigwig Ted Haggard Accused of... Ew...

Update: Haggard admits some charges true
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Ted Haggard of Colorado Springs' New Life Christian Church has been accused by a male prostitute of using the latter's services. Little time for a post before bed, but here are some of my comments interspersed with other information and commentators.

In addition to Amendment 43, the marriage amendment, there's also a domestic partnership initiative on the Colorado ballot, Referendum i. Some Denver media people are spinning this story as a blow against the marriage amendment and in favor of ref. i.

I don't know if this cheerfulness is anything other than wishful thinking on their part, but I'm no Evangelical. As a Catholic, Haggard's advocacy has flown under my radar.

In the sad event that these allegations prove true, here's something to keep in mind:

"The teachers of the law (the scribes) and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So, you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach" (Matt. 23:2-3)


Is Haggard the driving force behind his church? I'll keep him, his accuser, and his congregation in my prayers.


A Freeper in Haggard's congregation has stated:

1. Pastor Ted's temporarily stepping down is the procedure for any Pastor accussed of a serious moral breach. It does not imply guilt.
2. An outside body will investigate the truthfulness of these allegations.
3. Very curious timing again, very late October surprise.
4. Satan is alive and well and wants to win. He will smear, lie, attack and destroy what he can. Why would he not attack an effective man of God.
5. The truth will come out.


Several weeks back on the Rocky Mountain News' Inside Denver Blog, one Colorado lefty wrote:
Churches need to be careful this year. I am not personally participating (although I agree with the stance behind it), but there are groups that are planning on infiltrating Church services and recording any unethihcal speech that may put in danger the organization's tax exempt status.


He was talking about the marriage amendment advocacy. Though I generally find allegations of conspiracies unconvincing, I wouldn't be too surprised if busybodies like this guy's friends try to generate a hoax story, or seek out truly damaging information on any and all of their opponents.

The cynical hairsplitter in me suggests that Haggard is not really a hypocrite if the allegations are true, because his alleged acts were bisexual, not homosexual. The prostitute's allegations also include meth use. Crazy story before election time.

A few more cross-references:

Haggard accused of anti-Catholicism

A reflection suggesting that some pastors might highlight the sins of Sodom so they don't have to address adultery, etc. among their congregations.

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