Since this week's lecture included topics on homosexuality in the Christian faith, I wanted to post a related story from my hometown (once again). As I mentioned in my most recent post, New Life church has been surrounded in scandal a few times in recent history, and I wanted to share some inside information regarding what I heard about Ted Haggard -- because I did, in fact, attend New Life at one point in time. Before I dive into such a controversy, please take note that I'm trying to remove my opinion from this epic simply because tension within their family is absolutely none of my business. Please take all of this information with a grain of salt. All accounts of this story I witnessed from members of New Life, local news broadcasting, Oprah and Celebrity Wife Swap (yes, Ted Haggard was recognized nationally).
Wikipedia has an article about him if you're exceptionally curious:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Haggard
Ted Haggard founded New Life church in the 1980s and served as head pastor until around 2007. From my understanding, an escort (male prostitute) accused Ted Haggard of paying him for services and also taking crystal methamphetamine for a period of time. The church was in an uproar because Ted Haggard preached the 'evils of homosexuality' for years. New Life church excommunicated Ted Haggard from the church, which caused quite a stir on national television. I believe he was banned from Colorado for a while also, but later moved back to Colorado Springs in a home right across the street from New Life church -- I often pass by it on my way to school. His new home is paid for by the followers of the new church he founded in the barn on his property. He and his wife have made several appearances on television believing that God has cured him of his homosexual tendencies.
Here is the link for the Ted Haggard website:
http://tedhaggard.com/
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