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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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9

Haggard Faces New Gay Sex Accusations

Churchgoer says he had long relationship with anti-gay marriage preacher

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(Newser) – Evangelical preacher Ted Haggard had a long extra-marital affair with a male parishioner before his downfall, KRDO reports. The churchgoer says the New Life Church paid him hush money after the affair several years ago. The church confirmed the accusation after learning that the man possesses a recording of a conversation between himself and Haggard in which the preacher admits the relationship is inappropriate and begs for forgiveness.

The pastor who succeeded Haggard said the man had come to the church in 2006 and that there was evidence of an "inappropriate, consensual sexual relationship" that "went on for a long period of time. " Haggard, who preached against gay marriage as the head of the New Life Church but got fired after a male prostitute identified him as a client, is due to give interviews this week to promote a documentary on his life.

In this 2002 file photo the Rev. Ted Haggard delivers a sermon to those gathered at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado below a live video feed of himself. .
In this 2002 file photo the Rev. Ted Haggard delivers a sermon to those gathered at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado below a live video feed of himself. .   (AP Photo/The Gazette, Andy Rogers)
A portrait of Ted Haggard hangs in the world prayer center on the campus of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. in this 2006 file photo.
A portrait of Ted Haggard hangs in the world prayer center on the campus of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. in this 2006 file photo.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski )
This image taken from video, supplied by Magnolia Pictures, shows the Rev. Ted Haggard  preaching in the documentary film
This image taken from video, supplied by Magnolia Pictures, shows the Rev. Ted Haggard preaching in the documentary film "Jesus Camp".   (AP Photo/Magnolia Pictures,File)
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Ted Haggard, the disgraced conservative Christian leader who was caught in a gay sex and drugs scandal, says in a new documentary that he still struggles with his sexuality.   (AssociatedPress)

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9 comments
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Thinker
Jan 24, 09 9:31 AM CST
Studies indicate that Christians and Republicans make the best liars. Reply
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Newser001
Jan 24, 09 10:37 AM CST
For this and countless other reasons, it is why I say, I am not a Christian. The hypocrisy, blatant contradictions, the lying, all held within the vast contexts, and vast assortments of theologies, in general, is rampant. As we step back and examine the uproar regarding the Bible's role in the US Inauguration of our President or any other governmental office, perhaps now you can understand how meaningless it is to countless others - The addition of an allegiance (for which there is no demand) taken upon a book, written by mere men (openly excluding women, accepts slavery, etc), which does not represent all of us, is blasphemous to one and all. What good you’ll find within any of us, comes from Us - Our parents, our friends, our community, our nation, our world... Entirely centered upon what's within you and me - Not a book nor a fictitious deity who threatens to spread its wrath and fear among all of us if we do not do what we are told (we seem to do that part quite well without any assistance), according to the same book many of you demand we all are held accountable to... Believe what you may, but respect the rest of us. Christianity or any other theocracy is unacceptable in a government. We easily point fingers at other countries, mocking their governments and belief’s, as we believe it runs counter to our - To the US Constitution - or does it? In God we trust, is enough.... Whom ever or what ever that God represents, is entirely up to you and me... Not your church, shul, mosque, etc... I'll respect you and your beliefs, as long as you respond in kind - Don't try to force them upon me nor my family... Respect each and every person for what, and who they are - Not based on your theological belief’s. Religion has caused nothing but strife in this world... If you need proof, just open thine eyes... Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
jaguarj
Jan 24, 09 2:09 PM CST
AMEN!!!!
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christine_m
Jan 24, 09 12:57 PM CST
Being religious isn't the problem. Being gay isn't the problem. Being a religious gay isn't the problem. Being a huge flaming hypocrite is the problem. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
wwwonderer
Jan 26, 09 10:10 AM CST
EXACTLY! Don't tell me your a vegetarian, MAKE YOUR LIVING extolling vegetarianism, criticize me for not being a vegetarian, and then make your way to the steak house when eyes aren't watching, or you think eyes aren't watching. This is one of the problems fanatical religion plays in our society now.
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