Pastor Ted Haggard has been fired. A jury of his pastor peers found evidence Haggard committed "Sexually Immoral Conduct". Geez, how do you put that on a job application?
"We have decided that the most positive and productive direction for our church is his dismissal and removal," said a statement from the four pastors outside New Life Church.
Source: KRT Wire - Sexually immoral conduct noted in pastor's dismissal
What comes next? Well... the obligatory apology of course:
The news stunned and saddened people at the church, who were busy Saturday afternoon setting up for what they expect to be an overflow crowd for Sunday morning services. A letter of explanation and apology by Haggard and a "word of encouragement" from his wife, Gayle, will be read at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.
After this... we forgive poor past Haggard and get on with life. Oh wait... I said we, I meant THEY forgive him. I get to laugh at him and use him as the butt of bad jokes for the next few years.
I'll post the text of Haggard's apology tomorrow. It's bound to interesting.
Oh - I suggest Haggard's former pastors put him on suicide watch. This is the time when men of weak moral character tend to kill themselves.
Rick Ricchi - a church member was first (well ok not really first) to blame the devil for Haggard gay sex, drug, and deceptive proclivities. Because, it is inconceivable that Haggard is actually gay. Right?
"This makes my faith stronger knowing the devil roams the earth like a lion devouring people," said Rick Ricchi, 49, a church member for five years. "It tells me how much I need Jesus in my life . . . It makes me realize anyone can be tempted."
Right... it makes your faith stronger knowing that THE DEVIL caused Haggard's fall. What a load of crap.
*** Update ***
Care of the Non-Profit, the text of the letter firing Haggard.
Dear New Lifers and friends of New Life Church,
This is the press release from the Board of Overseers that will be released to the media this afternoon. We want you to know first what the actions of the overseers are going to be.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Ted and his family and let's all continue to stand strong together for the kingdom of God. We will get through this together. Remember, New Life Church has never been a man, or a building or anything else--we are a family.
Pastor Ross
November 4, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Life Church
Colorado Springs, ColoradoWe, the Overseer Board of New Life Church, have concluded our deliberations concerning the moral failings of Pastor Ted Haggard. Our investigation and Pastor Haggard's public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct.
The language of our church bylaws state that as Overseers we must decide in cases where the Senior Pastor has "demonstrated immoral conduct" whether we must "remove the pastor from his position or to discipline him in any way they deem necessary."
In consultation with leading evangelicals and experts familiar with the type of behavior Pastor Haggard has demonstrated, we have decided that the most positive and productive direction for our church is his dismissal and removal. In addition, the Overseers will continue to explore the depth of Pastor Haggard's offense so that a plan of healing and restoration can begin.
Pastor Haggard and his wife have been informed of this decision. They have agreed as well that he should be dismissed and that a new pastor for New Life Church should be selected according to the rules of replacement in the bylaws.
That process will begin immediately in hopes that a new pastor can be confirmed by the end of the year 2006. In the interim, Ross Parsley will function as the leader of the church with full support of the Overseers.
A letter of explanation and apology by Pastor Haggard as well as a word of encouragement from Gayle Haggard will be read in the 9:00 and 11:00 service of New Life Church.
