Haggard Admits Buying Drugs And Receiving Massage

E-mail to congregation says Haggard has "confessed."
By Tak Landrock, Dave Rose, Zach Thaxton
News Channel 13
Nov. 03, 2006

Pastor Ted Haggard is now admitting that some of the allegations by former gay escort, Mike Jones are true.

In an e-mail obtained by NEWSCHANNEL 13, Acting Senior Pastor Ross Parsley says Haggard confessed to the board of overseers. Parsley told members of New Life Church; "He has willingly and humbly submitted to the authority of the board of overseers, and will remain on administrative leave during the course of the investigation."

The e-mail goes on to say the leadership team is strong and united. "We remain resolute in our commitment to serving New Life Church and the people of our community. It also asks members to continue to keep Ted and Gayle and their family in your prayers."

On Friday Morning The Reverend Ted Haggard admitted to reporters gathered outside his home he bought methamphetamine and received a massage from a former gay prostitute who claims he was paid for drugs and sex with Haggard. Haggard says was tempted, but never used the drug. Haggard said he bought the meth because he was curious.

Haggard denied again that he ever had sex with 49-year-old Mike Jones. Haggard did say he received a massage from Jones after being referred to him by a Denver hotel.

On Thursday Haggard resigned his position as Head of the National Association of Evangelicals. Haggard also gave up leadership of his 14-thousand-member New Life Church by placing himself on leave pending an internal church investigation.

Jones told reporters that he is stepping forward with the charges now because he is concerned that Haggard doesn't practice what he preaches. Jones laid out his charges during a talk show on Denver radio station KHOW. Jones also accused Haggard of using drugs.

Pastor Haggard first denied the accusations in an interview with Denver television station KUSA Wednesday night. Haggard told the television station that he doesn't know Mike Jones and has never had a relationship outside his marriage.

Haggard has been a vocal supporter of the Colorado Marriage Amendment, which would place language in the state constitution defining marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman. That amendment has drawn angry opposition from gay rights groups.

Many Haggard supporters question the timing of the allegations just days before the general election. The group, Coloradans for Marriage, issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying, "This is a difficult situation for Pastor Haggard and his family. However we will not let this distract our efforts to pass the Colorado Marriage Amendment..."

Mike Jones, the male escort making the charges against Haggard, claims to have voice messages and other evidence that will support his charges. Jones claims his relationship with Haggard continued over a three-year period.

Below is the text of the e-mail sent to New Life Church congregation members:

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Dear New Lifers and friends of New Life Church,

Many of you have expressed concern about today's news regarding our pastor. Thank you all for your prayers and support, and for your concern for our church family. As you've likely heard by now, Pastor Ted has voluntarily placed himself on administrative leave as New Life's senior pastor to allow our external board of overseers to work effectively. Below is the statement that we released to the media on Thursday afternoon.

Since that time, the board of overseers has met with Pastor Ted. It is important for you to know that he confessed to the overseers that some of the accusations against him are true. He has willingly and humbly submitted to the authority of the board of overseers, and will remain on administrative leave during the course of the investigation.

I am serving as the acting senior pastor of New Life Church. I met with the pastoral staff and elders Thursday night, and I assure you that the leadership team is strong and united. We remain resolute in our commitment to serving New Life Church and the people of our community.

Please continue to keep Ted and Gayle and their family in your prayers.

I love serving God with you all,

Ross Parsley