Evangelical leader resigns over sex scandal

[Old Timer]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Reuters) - The president of the U.S. National Association of Evangelicals, who has had regular talks with the White House and vocally opposes gay marriage, resigned on Thursday after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a male escort.

Ted Haggard, who denied the accusation, also temporarily stepped down as senior pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, the church said in a statement.

[Arthur Durnan]

Haggard denies accusations altho he admits, I understand, to some. Preachers (and churches) today seem to be falling like fire from heaven. If the Haggard situation is shown to be true, it's another gargantuan embarrassment for, and major offense against, the majestic cause of Christ Jesus reminiscent of the Jim & Tammy Baker affair. Altho the NAE is a very loosely-knit organization involving a wide variety of organizations, for what it may be worth - and it should be noted, I believe - why do these nasty headlines involve so many Pentecostal/charismatic leaders across the nation? Increasing scandals re sexual affairs, counselling entanglements, questionable financial dealings, etc. tend to plague the professing church. It must surely cause grave concern to the Lord of Hosts in heaven. The coming Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:12) will certainly prove extremely interesting to say the least. Perhaps the time is very short? And, yes, too, of course, there but for the grace of God go I.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[RGR]

Haggard denies accusations altho he admits, I understand, to some. Preachers (and churches) today seem to be falling like fire from heaven. If the Haggard situation is shown to be true, it's another gargantuan embarrassment for, and major offense against, the majestic cause of Christ Jesus reminiscent of the Jim & Tammy Baker affair. Altho the NAE is a very loosely-knit organization involving a wide variety of organizations, for what it may be worth - and it should be noted, I believe - why do these nasty headlines involve so many Pentecostal/charismatic leaders across the nation? Increasing scandals re sexual affairs, counselling entanglements, questionable financial dealings, etc. tend to plague the professing church. It must surely cause grave concern to the Lord of Hosts in heaven. The coming Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:12) will certainly prove extremely interesting to say the least. Perhaps the time is very short? And, yes, too, of course, there but for the grace of God go I.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

The intent to paint the Pentecostal denomination as being plagued on a consistent basis with sexual problems is insulting. In case you haven't forgotten, there were problems in the early church that Paul had to address that were sexual in nature! I know you seem to get a kick out of anything that demeans Pentecostals, but problems abound in every denomination, not just ours.

[Leonard]

The intent to paint the Pentecostal denomination as being plagued on a consistent basis with sexual problems is insulting. In case you haven't forgotten, there were problems in the early church that Paul had to address that were sexual in nature! I know you seem to get a kick out of anything that demeans Pentecostals, but problems abound in every denomination, not just ours.

The fact is, the great disproportion of these scandals involve pentecostals. Whining that someone notices doesn't change reality.

There's a reason for it, a reason you don't want to hear.

The fact in this case is that Rev. Haggard is NOT a Charismatic. His church would better be described as one of those mushy 'seeker sensitive' places!

You are correct that a disproportionate number of these cases involve Charismatic churches. The reason for that is that they are ALSO "independent" churches; unaffiliated with a denominational structure. In short, they are a 'one man show' and the Pastor has virtually unlimited power and authority to do WHATEVER HE WANTS: He owns the building, he owns the corporation, and there is no denominational headship to put him in check in any way.

If you want to check the figures out thoroughly you will probably find that 'independent churches' of any theological stripe, have a disproportional number of this sort of problem............

[nagwalk]

Believe me there is enough doo doo to go around. What some baptist scandal? Have a look..

(click the smiley)

[nagwalk]

Believe me there is enough doo doo to go around. Want some baptist scandal? Have a look..

(click the smiley)

[Guest man]

There are scandals in all denominations.

One shouldn't worry about what these scandals are doing to that particular denomination, but what it is doing to the Word of God.

[billie]

I pray there's nothing to this, but I'll be keeping it in prayer........

[Marnie]

You are correct that a disproportionate number of these cases involve Charismatic churches. The reason for that is that they are ALSO "independent" churches; unaffiliated with a denominational structure. In short, they are a 'one man show' and the Pastor has virtually unlimited power and authority to do WHATEVER HE WANTS: He owns the building, he owns the corporation, and there is no denominational headship to put him in check in any way.

If you want to check the figures out thoroughly you will probably find that 'independent churches' of any theological stripe, have a disproportional number of this sort of problem............

It all comes down to accountability, doesn't it? There are some great independent churches out there, Alistair Beggs' for example, but then his church is hardly a "one man show." Good insight Leonard.

[Kansasdad]

Not so long ago this same line of thinking was being stated about the Catholic Church, Look at all the scandals, see how this proves that the Catholic Church is corrupt. Now when this was going on how many Pentecostals stood up for the Catholic Church? Now "they" are going after the Pentecostals. I wonder if anyone will stand up for the Pentecostals, and tell "them" they are being ridiculous. OK I will. You are being ridiculous! Now who will be next on their hit list. Are we going to stand up for each other or tear each other apart.

Aren't we supposed to be the body of Christ.

God Bless us, we need it,

Kansas Dad

This has had a major edit for the first post was found offensive, that was not my intent, and for that I apologize.

The message of the post is still very relevant and unfortunately still raising its ugly head further in this thread.