Pastor: New Life will recover from new allegations
Associated Press
Published January 24, 2009 at 5:07 p.m.
Ted Haggard
COLORADO SPRINGS — New Life Church will recover from jarring new allegations in the 2-year-old sex scandal that brought down founder Ted Haggard because "there's a holy tenacity in here," Pastor Brady Boyd said Sunday.
"You guys won't quit," Boyd told a nearly full house at the megachurch, two days after revelations that a male church volunteer reported having a sexual relationship with Haggard.
It's the second such claim against Haggard. In late 2006, a male prostitute in Denver said he had a three-year cash-for-sex relationship with the former New Life pastor.
"I'm sorry that this wound has been reopened for many of you," Boyd said.
"One day we may have a little scar tissue, but the wounds will not define us," he said, to applause from the congregation.
Haggard confessed to undisclosed "sexual immorality" after the earlier allegations, left New Life and resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He has declined to comment on the new claim.
On Friday, Boyd said church officials had learned of the second set of claims against Haggard in late 2006, shortly after the male prostitute made his allegations.
Boyd said an "overwhelming pool of evidence" pointed to an "inappropriate, consensual sexual relationship" involving the volunteer that "went on for a long period of time ... it wasn't a one-time act." Boyd said the man was in his early 20s at the time. He said he was certain the man was of legal age when it began.
Boyd said that under a legal settlement the church reached with the man in 2007, neither side was to discuss the matter publicly. Boyd said he couldn't have spoken up anyway because he was counseling the man.
"I'm a pastor.... There are times I have to use discretion," he said. "I will not call a news conference or a family meeting every time someone comes to me for counseling."
Boyd did speak publicly only after learning the man had talked to a Colorado Springs TV station.
KRDO reported that the man gave the station an audio recording of his conversations with Haggard. In them, Haggard calls the relationship "inappropriate" and asks for forgiveness, the station said.
Boyd said the settlement paid the man for counseling and college. He said the money came from insurance, not member's contributions.
Church officials said Boyd would have no comment Sunday beyond his remarks to the congregation.
Longtime church member Doug Prensner worried that some people outside the church have been told the male counselor was paid hush money. That's not the case, he said, citing what church leaders have told the congregation.
"This was compassionate care, assistance money to help him heal and get on with his life," Prensner said.
New Life members and leaders said the latest public disclosures were no surprise. In early 2007, the church disclosed that an investigation uncovered new evidence that Haggard engaged in "sordid conversation" and "improper relationships" — but didn't go into detail. One church board member had said there was no evidence that Haggard had sexual relations with anyone but Mike Jones, the former male prostitute.
"I don't think the people in the church are surprised," said Wanda Moore, who works in pastoral care for women at New Life. "They're disappointed and they're hurt."
Jessica Sheasby, an associate child pastor for New Life, said church members she has spoken to have been hopeful since the new disclosures.
"I've actually heard a lot of hope, because they know that Pastor Brady is one that protects us and takes care of us," she said.
To read more on this story from The Gazette in Colorado Springs, click here.
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January 24, 2009
6:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Doggone writes:
We knew this the whole time. Church is a pyramid system when it comes to collecting your money and the people on top have personal agenda's. Just like our Guv't. They laugh at us. So I don't go, and I don't give $.
January 24, 2009
6:32 p.m.
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records writes:
So what else is going on at this New Life Church? We only now find out there is a second victim of Haggard's inappropriate conduct? This church is horribly in debt, but continues to find ways to pay hush money to those it wants to keep in the closet. What's next?
January 24, 2009
7:02 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
No refrain from the pain; penance is a harsh road to redeem a man. The church should consider itself adrift and perhaps close it's doors. It's not the ones sitting in the pews, but the very leadership of the church. It's foundation was torn once by scandal, once by violence, and now becoming a media soap opera with Mr. Haggard's cloud still raining down upon the institution his hands created. It's as though his very work before God is being blotted out by the very hand of the Divine One Himself for whatever reason. Perhaps all things are being brought to light and others are now being tried and fired in the cruciable of honor to account their deeds. As my own church has found out with their sex scandals, it doesn't pay to stray far from God when claiming His name. I've always found myself asking God many things; but then I stop myself and realize just how far I have fallen. You truly do have to walk away from the world to serve God.
January 24, 2009
9:06 p.m.
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records writes:
So let me get this straight. This could not have been a "consensual sexual relationship" as Brady Boyd claims--just like the law says that it is impossible for a minor to consent to sex with an adult (giving meaning to the term statutory rape--minors are deemed by the law to be incapable of consent due to their age), it is impossible that a man in his early 20's could consent to having sex with a much older man--in this case a pastor who is deemed by the law to be holding a position of power and trust in terms of his congregation--called the priest-penitent privilege (just like the attorney-client priviledge). Haggard flagrantly violated his position of power and trust and this poor man clearly was victimized by him. And to make matters worse, the new pastor at New Life Church--Brady Boyd--makes this whole sorid mess even worse by wrongfully using his own congregation's money to pay hush money to this powerless victim, and covering up his wrongful act until Boyd had to admit it under pressure from the press. Private school college tuition ain't cheap, and neither is counselling. So Brady, how much of your Sunday plate-passing take did you use to pay this hush money? And are there any other victims of Haggard that you know about that you've paid off, too? I fear that much more may be coming out about this whole mess. BTW, the NLC makes its financial records available to its members--I don't see a line item in there about hush money payments. Perhaps now we should demand a full audit of the church's finances?
January 24, 2009
9:48 p.m.
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Woodrow writes:
Barakobama451, you have absolutely no idea of what you're taking about, go away.
January 24, 2009
10:21 p.m.
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creamcheesefantasy writes:
The man wouldn't have been ashamed of his homosexuality...or bisexuality, if the Bible didn't exist.
Anyways this isn't anyone's fault. It's the fault of the evil nasty Satan and God is just allowing this to test his sheeple and to show us how he is a mean jealous god who will punish those who do not choose him...thank Go-himself.. that i can have his personal spirit in my heart, hes sounds like such a great guy.*
*sorry about the tangent :/
January 24, 2009
10:40 p.m.
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SPL writes:
I've never known a conservative who isn't a closet homosexual drug addict. Nothing wrong with either in my book though.
January 24, 2009
11:31 p.m.
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chapatrick writes:
I believe the fall of the churches was mentioned in the bible, was it in Revelations?
January 24, 2009
11:55 p.m.
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creamcheesefantasy writes:
chapatrick:
one can only hope. But lets also hope they do not self fulfill all their "end of the world" fantasies.
January 25, 2009
4:44 a.m.
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MNSNAP writes:
New Life Church should have reached out to others that were sexually abused or exploited by church officials instead of attempting to cover-up.
By reaching out to those injured/damaged by sexual abuse - the primary victim and their loved ones can heal, recover, and assist in the prevention or reduction of our nations primary social sickness: "sexual abuse of children". Let's have a better future - not avoidance and denial by our religious leaders.
The following is copied from the Orthodox Church, http://pokrov.org/mission.asp -- The Catholic church and the New Life church and learn from them.
"We must speak out. Public acknowledgement of abuse within the Church must begin now."
Sexual Abuse includes, but is not limited to any contact or interaction between a MINOR or VULNERABLE ADULT on the one hand, and an adult on the other, when the MINOR or VULNERABLE ADULT is being used for sexual stimulation of the adult person or of a third person. The behavior may or may not involve touching. Sexual behavior between an adult, and a MINOR or VULNERABLE ADULT is always considered forced whether or not consented to by the MINOR or VULNERABLE ADULT.
• A "MINOR" is anyone under the age of 18.
• A "VULNERABLE ADULT" is any person 18 years of age or older who is in a pastoral or professional relationship with a [clergy person]. The pastoral or professional relationship constitutes a "forbidden zone" which exists because the one in power [the clergyman] has a relationship with another based upon trust. No matter who initiates an action or how willing the vulnerable person says he/she is, the [clergyman] always has the responsibility to set appropriate boundaries regardless of the situation or circumstances.
If you have been sexually abused - report it to law enforcement.
If you need help call or write me.
Bob Schwiderski,
MN SNAP Director
952-471-3422
skibrs@mchsi.com
January 25, 2009
7:06 a.m.
Suggest removal
ruffryde997 writes:
barackobama451. woodrow is right you are an idiot, so keep the stupid comments comin!
reality check
HMGSWJH - hilarious!
January 25, 2009
7:23 a.m.
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stumanchu writes:
Gay rights have given us a lot
January 25, 2009
8:23 a.m.
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solar_satellite writes:
Not News, Nitwits!
barackobama451: You truly are a nit on these forums.
January 25, 2009
9:26 a.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
On September 11, 2001, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson wasted no time before broadcasting a joint message blaming America for bringing down God's wrath by tolerating homosexuals. The message of conservative Christianity is essentially indistinguishable from that of the Taliban or Al Qaeda.
Hating homosexuals is merely an extension of sexual guilt, which is consistently used by extremely paternal religions to dominate and abuse women. Enjoying sex is natural for humans. Making that enjoyment a sin, makes everyone a sinner in need of some special religious administration because they're "unclean". It all boils down to a highly emotional sales pitch and has nothing to do with God.
Ted Haggard got caught. In a business where image is everything, he ruined the product. So, it takes a lot of fast dancing and hush money to keep the show going. Now Brady Boyd has got caught paying the hush money, even admitting to doing this but trying to sell us the lame excuse that he was being compassionate. These guys have no idea what compassion really means. All they know is how to sell religion.
As to the question of how much gay sex would Jesus have? Exactly zero is the answer. According to the source literature of the familiar four Gospels, he was married to Mary Magdalene. If they were alive today, they would be like any other loving couple in Boulder, Colorado or some other nice community. They would mingle with other intellectuals and "sinners", have dinner parties, and discuss a wide variety of topics including how to make the world a better and more compassionate place.
January 25, 2009
9:36 a.m.
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KelcyCo writes:
My question to the RMN as well as the other papers in the area is "why do you continue to even follow Haggard in your paper?" Do you think anyone is really interested in this guys story. Just let him fade into obscurity please. (And I`m not even part of the New Life Church.....I`m just sick of reading about him.)
January 25, 2009
9:59 a.m.
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Spooge writes:
The newest scandal and the churches paying hush money shows the hypocrosy of the good Christians. Preaching their hatred for Gay citizens seems to be the norm, while engaging in gay sex, drugs, and cheating on the spouses behind everyones back. The great, holier than thou Christians and their flock, protesting at military funerals, protesting Hate crime legislation for gays, promoting banning gay marriage and civil unions in many states through the churches, deserve to be shown to the world their true nature.
January 25, 2009
10:45 a.m.
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anya writes:
I agree with KelcyCo; why are you covering this? If this is the only way you can improve the RockyMountain News in order to attract readers, maybe you SHOULD close your doors.
Or could it be that the Compassionate Conservatives in El Paso County that love this kind of scandal are your one hope to stay in business? I guess you could always cover Caylee's murder, and then you would be a one hundred percent worthless shell of a newspaper.
SPL: Don't forget the ritual cannibalism that the New Life Church and other Christian believers practice.
January 25, 2009
11:17 a.m.
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redwhiteandBLUE writes:
Why dosn't he go hide in a cave already! No shame!!
January 25, 2009
11:18 a.m.
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ghoax writes:
It kills me how the left who praises homosexuality attacks the Christians who's chosen that sin.
At the same time, it's exactly the same as the green mother nature worshippers, like big Al, Pelosi, Reid traveling in the private jets, limos , using fossil fuels that they are working hard to make illegal.
If homosexuality is so normal...why the attack on Haggard, anyone else see yet another contradiction on the left.
get over it and get on with some things that really matter, Haggard gets to live with the consequences of his bad decisions, so should the lefties.
January 25, 2009
11:19 a.m.
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Sundog writes:
Woodrow: You should check the facts on Barney Frank before you tell people to vanish.
January 25, 2009
11:44 a.m.
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INC writes:
HolierThanThou,
Spot on! eloquently stated.
January 25, 2009
11:45 a.m.
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kmountain writes:
Sundog: what does Barney Frank have to do with this anyway?
You and Barakobama451 should go hangout together elsewhere.
January 25, 2009
12:04 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
In order for New Life to move forward, Old Life needs to be accounted for, weighed in the balance, and the truth to be brought into the light. Still waitting...
January 25, 2009
12:41 p.m.
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hereticzero writes:
It is not so much that Haggard had a same-sex relationship; it is the fact he bad-mouthed everyone else that also has same-sex relationships. He is still a hypocrite that does not deserve to be preaching where he can continue to spread his poison. Christians are so far out of touch with life they are incapable of living with real people.
January 25, 2009
1:25 p.m.
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jay writes:
"It kills me how the left who praises homosexuality attacks the Christians who's chosen that sin."
no one on "the left" is attacking haggard for being homosexual, ghoax. nice try.
besides...pointing out the hypocrisy evident at megachurches isn't "attacking"...it's simply acknowledging factual information.
January 25, 2009
1:26 p.m.
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birddog writes:
Shouldn't New Life Church change its name to Get A Life Church?
January 25, 2009
1:59 p.m.
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Barron writes:
Those who criticize Christianity and religion in general need to understand that haggard and his ilk aren't even close to representing what true Christianity is all about, so stop being so general to the point of absurdity. Open your minds and understand that, just like anything else in life, there will always be phonies and hypocrits.
January 25, 2009
3:28 p.m.
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stumanchu writes:
I criticize Christianity and religeon openly, but for the reason of the human error factor. Once you include man or "a man", you open up a whole new can of worms so to speak.
January 25, 2009
5:20 p.m.
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Barron writes:
Wow Reality, went back and read all of your posts and you are really bitter. you need some religion, LOL!
January 25, 2009
5:22 p.m.
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Sundog writes:
kmountain: If your brain wasn't a 78 playing at 45 rpm, you wouldn't have to ask. He must happen to be one of your heroes, so you want it to go away. Sorry, if the truth hurts, but that's how it is. Live with it or go make comments somewhere where everyone is in happy agreement, like maybe "The Weekly Reader." Buh bye.
January 25, 2009
5:24 p.m.
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global writes:
I'm sure he was just showing them how painful gay sex can be. He was saving there souls. Praise the Lord!
January 25, 2009
6:04 p.m.
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Now_You_Know writes:
Fell the pain of the Republican (church) hate machine.
January 25, 2009
6:39 p.m.
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Spooge writes:
The left is not attacking Haggart for bring homosexual, they are pointing out how the good, "honest" , faithful Christians are none of these traits. Lying about themselves and homosexuals, covering up and paying hush money to another victim of the church ( as did the Catholic Church with their abuses and cover-ups of the sexual abuse of young parishoners) just shows people what the church is all about. Money, Greed and Power.
January 25, 2009
8:08 p.m.
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TYoungman writes:
When will the right wing God-bots learn that they can't "Pray the gay away"? Their ranks are replete with self hating gays; too weak to fight the stigma, they accept it and live their lives in dead-bolted closets. Pathetic.
January 25, 2009
10:02 p.m.
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ThingFish writes:
How do we tell them apart Barron? They all spout the same crap.
January 25, 2009
11:10 p.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
New Life Church dropped the ball when they failed to adhere to strict biblical discipline (and started acting like the world) to "avoid even the appearance of evil". As long as there is sin in the world, these such situations are not new and neither is the remedy.
The leadership of New Life Church failed the congregation when they offered a bribe to the assistant and needs to be completely replaced. This is just God purging the flock. Haggard was leading a secret, deceitful double life (and betraying his wife, children and congregation all the time) and as you can see - God will bring such things to light.
Learn from Haggard's experience and consider yourself warned.
January 26, 2009
9:01 a.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
How any church is able to collect even a dollar amazes me! I guess there are still simple-minded, gullible people out there, and the church, as it has for the last 2,000 years, is more than happy to separate those people from their money. And in return, the person gets a healthy dose of guilt and shame. What a bargain.
January 26, 2009
9:19 a.m.
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blondiearvada writes:
The left is not against Haggard being gay. We could care less. What we are offended by is how this jerk and MANY others can stand at their pulpit day after day and beg for the money of their followers so that they can lead a lavish lifestyle that many of their followers can not. They judge others and preach about the sins that EVERYONE ELSE commits, and feel that they are above their own religion. Yet they are too arogant to admit that they are just as human as the rest of us. Going to church is like going to high school all over again with their clicks, clubs, and everyone trying so hard to be buddies with the popular crowd. No thanks.
January 26, 2009
10:12 a.m.
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cassidy22 writes:
It's interesting that the church felt the need to council this young man, so he could heal. I think all he needs is to find a church that accepts him for being a homosexual, and then to find the self esteem to get involved in relationships with single men.
The people here that need healing are Haggard's family. He has cheated on his wife Lord knows how often. I would have divorced the man by now, and let him live his life as the homosexual he is, instead of trying to pretend he is something he isn't.
The real sin is adultery.
(and for everyone complaining about the "hush" money - it is stated in the article that it came from insurance, not church member donations)
January 26, 2009
11:12 a.m.
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Barron writes:
blondiearvada, I agree with your statement. And I'm a leftie - and a church-goer (but not like the Haggard-type or the situation you describe above - we actually walk the walk).
January 26, 2009
12:36 p.m.
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blondiearvada writes:
Barron- I agree that you can be part of the right and the left, but like you said, if you're going to preach it, then you should live it. But just because one lives it doesn't mean that everyone else has to.