Former Pastor Ted Haggard Back In Colorado Springs

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Posted: 10:32 AM Jun 22, 2008
Last Updated: 6:46 PM Jun 22, 2008
Reporter: KKTV
Email Address: news@kktv.com

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Mega-church former pastor Ted Haggard, who was forced out of his job after getting mixed up in a sex scandal, returns to Colorado Springs.

Haggard agreed to leave the city after a male prostitute claimed he and Haggard had sexual relations with each other for cash.

Haggard moved to Phoenix with his family for a spiritual restoration program.

According to New Life Church, the process ended early.

Haggard told a local newspaper Saturday, he was not allowed to talk with the media.

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Posted by: bob Location: nashville on Jun 3, 2009 at 07:00 AM
He is still gay

Posted by: Sula Location: Texas on Apr 30, 2009 at 01:20 PM
I would only go to church if Haggard were the pastor. I can listen to someone who has sinned and come through back to God for forgiveness. I forgive anyone whom is sorry even if they sin again. That is what my bible says to do. I know that the personal challenges that Haggard has been through has left him closer to God and lucky for him because when it is all said and done God is all we have left. Pat if you read this your faith in the pure love of God has brought me to have faith again as well. Thank you for your love of God. I believe if more people that have faced bigger challenges like this were to be the head of churches, people who really need to know God would go because the would 'nt feel like they would be looked down on because they messed up. Everyone needs to feel like they belong somewhere and I have never felt like church was a safe haven. Keep you faith sir and hold strong to your course. You are doing the works of God. Even if you dont see it. Sula

Posted by: Chris Location: Calgary on Apr 26, 2009 at 08:56 PM
As Christians, we need to show compassion and understanding to Ted and his family. Jesus said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". Yes, it is true that Ted sinned, and I am not defending that...but in God's eyes every sin is equally bad from a small lie to murder and every person on this planet is guilty. No person is "better" that the other, we have all just sinned in different ways. So my bottom line here is don't act like the Pharasees but understand humans are flawed and show love and compassion. At least that's my understanding of the Gospel.

Posted by: Native Location: CS on Jul 14, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Rob, their are no kind words to describe your defense for what this beast has done and will continue to do with the support of people like yourself. He built an empire and used it daily to let people know they need to be good, honest hard working people, while he made them believe they were sinners if they did not follow God's teachings. I can assure that no where in the Bible does it say it's okay to be a malicious lying gay drug addict. If you are educated in homosexuality then you know a gay person will always tell you their lifestyle is not by choice. Haggard will never be anything else than he is right now. He will have learned to more secretive, he may quit the meth but the gay piece is there whether he admits it or not. Maybe he should come ut and stay out. I can't imagine how his wife stayed with him and kept the children near, but Hilary Clinton stood by and defended her misunderstood man to.It says alot about a man when he comes back pretending he's cured!Creepy!

Posted by: Forrest Location: Colorado Springs on Jul 10, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Don't waste your time talking about Ted or New Life...it's over and it's just not that important. I don't know about you guys but there are much bigger issues out there like illegal immigration, etc.

Posted by: Tom Location: Palmer Lake on Jun 25, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Why does the media have the propensity of glorifying those who do not come close to such stature. For the last six months it has been Douglas Bruce and now Ted Haggard. Why does the media insist on continuing to elevate such people to "saint-hood." If one can not find anything else positive to report, my suggestion is to say nothing. Neither of these individuals have done "a service to our community."

Posted by: russell Location: colorado springs on Jun 25, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I think ted should move back,he would fit right in with most of religous leaders.he could open a used car lot or buy a tow company what ever works to get in every ones pants.Maybe he could start his own religous media empire.But lets not just pick on poor ted,he's not the only lieing cheating steeling hater christian in the springs.It's just tobad he uses the cross as a sheild.The only differance between hi and most of the preachers here is that he got caught.Someday they will all be judged by god and will reap what they sew.My ex employer hides behind the bible too and when its time to be christian,he bows down to the almighty dollar.What ashame.Well ted, will, dobson, pat Wake up it takes love patience honesty caring and giving to be agood chritstian.You guys missed the target bad.And ted you may want to go to trinidad,ihere they can do things to you there so that you dont have to be a man.

Posted by: Christy Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 25, 2008 at 08:58 AM
I read all these stories about Ted. Look at what you right, no wonder there is so much hate here. Everyone is always in every one buisness. Saying things that are not even true about church etc.

Posted by: Rob Location: El Paso County on Jun 24, 2008 at 08:17 PM
KM, I agree that it is the legalistic who place weight on sin. A sin is a sin, in the eyes of God, none is worse than another because He judges based on a single standard, do we live up to His standard for us. My comment was directed at the masses who have sensationalized this story of a mortal man who fell into sin. Granted his hypocracy carries weight given his position of leadership in the church, but calls for him to leave town? Not being welcome here?

Posted by: Nick Location: Colo. Spgs on Jun 24, 2008 at 07:48 PM
I believe in God ... but not in Church .. or Mankind ... and this is why. Ted H. is a joke and the people that attended and still attend his church must be unable to critically analyze situations or think for themselves. I enjoy watching people get upset about things like this because he isn't super-human, Ted H. is just like every average person, out for themselves. His niche/talent was conning people into giving him enough money to open up another unnecessary church. He's back to reap some more money out of fools that cant think for themselves. Just keep this in mind everytime you pass one of the many churches in Colorado Springs, they are all filled with people just like Ted. Have fun feeling better about a clear conscience knowing this. Its all a show and the tickets as much as you are willing to throw in the basket.

Posted by: Danielle Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 24, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Why, are Christians so angry? I thought one of the corner stones of Christian faith is to live peacefully and follow the golden rule. I see so called Christians in the front of the line to throw the biggest stones so-to-speak. Just from reading some of these comments here; to have morals you have to be a Christian, if you have a nice house your probably evil and dishonest ... watch any of these televangelists, and there are a lot to choose from, your committing huge Sins if you don't make love donations or give all that you can afford to the Church, even before you take care of other responsibilities like taking your children to the doctor..because if you help the Church God will help you. What does God need money for. so the televangelist can by a $750,000 home,or put up more satellites to reach a broader market.Come on,Christianity is a business anymore.Jesus didn't have a multi-million dollar mega-church.Why do people feel it necessary to follow these deceitful people? Any of them..

Posted by: Nick Location: Colo Apgs on Jun 24, 2008 at 07:24 PM
With the Ted Haggard issue just a short while ago.. I don't know why people still attend Church. People cant see it for the money making scam it is? This isnt just a local issue, review national news, this sort of thing is in-fact very common. I think we can all agree there are too many churches in Colorado Springs, theres one on every corner. They are in many ways just like the Golf Course;There are many business contacts and deals made at New Life. So, perhaps worshiping God is an afterthought and making money is the reason for so many Churches (even multiple Mega-Churches) are here in Colorado Springs. Its a scam. People keep going and giving money to con-men at the pulpit, perhaps with the increase in gas prices and utilities people will reconsider there spending habits and invest less in waste and spend elsewhere as needed. As for this guy, this con-man having sex with his Son's Girlfriend.. How come no one is shocked, how come its so accepted? I guess people are just used to this.

Posted by: The Truth Location: C/S on Jun 24, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Don't you mean Average Colorado Springs?

Posted by: Rich Location: C/S on Jun 24, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Nicole exhibits the typical hateful mentality of most Coloradoans. I'm sure if he wanted any c-r-a-p out of you he'd squeeze your head.

Posted by: John on Jun 24, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Who cares. He was of no importance before and even less now.

Posted by: Fred Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 24, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Maybe he is looking for a new boyfriend

Posted by: Me Love You Long Time on Jun 24, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Oh Ted it's time for your massage and a little pick me up. Oh and when your done with that hooker that turned you in for bashing gays, maybe you can get back up and Preach your hate again for the whole world to see. Maybe Focus on the Family can use a man like you. Maybe Perkins and his sidekicks will want a massage too.

Posted by: Nicole Location: Beautiful Colorado Springs on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:43 AM
A note to "Alaska Joe"...if you hate it here so much...L E A V E!!!!!

Posted by: Nicole Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:36 AM
GO AWAY TED...YOU'RE NOT WELCOME HERE. I hope no one is sending this man money.

Posted by: Trish Location: Colorado on Jun 24, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Let's hope that Ted is here to sell his $750.000.00 home and get his "stuff" and get the heck out of here. I am so sorry for his family and I pray for them. I hope Ted will repent and thefore save his soul, I pray for him as well. In the meantime, please Ted, finish your business and GO AWAY! Far AWAY! How cold you do this to your family and those who love you...and Oh by the Way, remember, "There's no such thing as a secret"!

Posted by: KM Location: CS on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Rob, haggard is scripturally help to a higher accountability then others since he choose to take a spiritual leadership role. The sin of hypocrisy is more forgivable to many Christians then the sin of being gay. It has been Legalistic Christians who have placed value on which sin is worse. An act so clearly in violation of the teachings of Christ. Too often many Christians have placed themselves apart from non-believers as them not being as morally strong and with a clear double standard. When legalistic Christian fail, it is because of weakness. When non-believers fail, it's because of lack of morals.

Posted by: anonymous Location: CS on Jun 23, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Maybe he can get together with Bill Clinton. The only problem is that Clinton won't let him inhale the weed!

Posted by: Rob Location: El Paso County on Jun 23, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Live and Let Live, unless it is someone you hate for your own selfish reasons? Because he is a Christian, a vocal leader standing against something that he struggles with himself? Christians are not perfect and this man merely proves the point. He owns a house here, lived here a good part of his life, his kids know no place else...why wouldn't he move back? Where else could he redeem himself or make his own shame even worse than in a place he is well recognized? Is the sin of hypocracy unforgivable and murder, and rape are? We embrace pointing out hypocracy in others yet gain nothing in so doing. New Life Church would be foolish to let this man resume a leadership role, they clearly have not. He is here on his own free will, something granted to all. If he were to show up at my church on Sunday, he would be welcomed as a member of the congregation like anyone else. Have some compassion, don't let hatred dominate your life!

Posted by: Alaska Joe Location: Stuck in Rocky Mountain Hell on Jun 23, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Ted Haggard defines the caliber/quality of people this "so called" fine city attracts. Rich, you want to talk about behavior? Let's talk about the selfish driving habits of the residents here or the comments made when someone isn't head over heels about this city like them. You're made to think it was a crime to not like this place as much as them. It's really quite average.

Posted by: Ted Haggard Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 23, 2008 at 05:24 PM
...Anyone got a little pick-me-up? What is the number for the all male chat line? Come follow me, my little flock, and I will show you the way to eternal happiness. It may be a little different than you're used to.

Posted by: AJ Location: Colorado on Jun 23, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Hey Steve, I think that you need to start paying attention to what you're reading. Nowhere in the news can it be found that Ted will be allowed to go back to New Life. In fact, the current pastor is saying the exact opposite. It's really sad to hear the venom that you're spewing. And from the way that you speak, I can tell you've never been to New Life to meet these "Suckers". Some people should keep their hate to themselves...

Posted by: Mary on Jun 23, 2008 at 04:37 PM
He will not go back to the church because the do not do massages there or sell drugs. He might find his old massage guy and go to CA to get married.

Posted by: WJ Location: CSpgs on Jun 23, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I know this family and also know that he never left Colorado Springs, like he would like everyone to believe.

Posted by: Rich Location: Colo Spgs on Jun 23, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Steve; Why are you talking about him coming back to the church? The news outlets only reported that he's back in Colorado Springs. Theres no chance he'll be back at New Life. There was not even so much as a mention of him doing so. Was this just an opportunity for you (and others) to spew warrantless hate? The "cess-pool" that others have called this city is contributed to, in part, by this kind of behavior.

Posted by: Steve Location: Waiting on Jun 23, 2008 at 01:05 PM
If the New Lifers’ are gullible and stupid enough and they are, to allow this disgusting excuse for a human being back into their church then they are stupid enough to deal with the consequences. He’s going to fall back into his old ways, homosexuality and drug abuse does not go away especially after only a few months of so-called ‘Rehab’, (Think about it, he stayed away just enough the let the heat die down and now he’s slithering back) but this time he will be a lot sneakier about it. I guess he needs the cash and the New Lifers’ are going to open their wallets, IDIOTS. They are just allowing the scene to be set for yet another New Life crash…The rest of us can then get a good laugh out of these suckers.

Posted by: Another sexy massager Location: Teds Hotel on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Ok Damn't who posted the "Hypocrite Wanted" ad for Col Springs......

Posted by: Frank on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Why make the poor lion sick.

Posted by: mr ed Location: stable on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Hide the young boys. Probably just in town for a massage though, well that and some meth.

Posted by: 6uldv8 Location: In a land far far away on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Ahh...remember the good ole days when you could just toss them to the Lions.

Posted by: Biran on Jun 23, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Now be nice Ted is back because he could not get a massage and drug where he was. maybe his wife has come to terms that he is gay and a druggie.

Posted by: BobO Location: Colorado springs on Jun 23, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Leave him alone? He was the driving force against Gay Marriage nationwide. Live and let live? I wonder if he has a new a masseuse/pharmacist yet?

Posted by: Bill from Boston Location: El Paso County on Jun 23, 2008 at 07:44 AM
To those that don't mind or care if Haggard is back, he has shown he is an evil man, without trust, deceitful, irresponsible, a loser, and a total PHONY BALONY!! It's hard to believe he was a trusted pastor and did what he did to his family and the congregation. What a nice model for the Christian movement...eh? Sir, and I use the title loosely, please get out of town right away, if not SOONER! Just get out. We have enough turmoil here in the Springs without you returning so just vamoose, will ya??! If I were to see you, or cross paths with you, believe me, I would make every attempt to embarrass you further...if, of course you're even capable of being embararressed...ha, ha. So git while the gittin's good!

Posted by: Patricia on Jun 23, 2008 at 07:14 AM
I wonder if he came back for another massage. I bet the church is paying him to shut his mouth.

Posted by: Maria Location: Sandy, Utah on Jun 22, 2008 at 11:55 PM
"Haggard told a local newspaper Saturday, he was not allowed to talk with the media." Is THIS not "talking with the media"??

Posted by: Doc Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 22, 2008 at 10:17 PM
The former pastor of Colorado's biggest church returning to Colorado Springs is news (especially under the circumstances he had to leave). I have to respectfully disagree that Colorado is overrated or that Colorado Springs is a cess pool. We are very lucky to live here, and it may be why Haggard is back.

Posted by: joe Location: c/s on Jun 22, 2008 at 09:13 PM
can we just let this guy get on with his life? do we really have to bother him with media attention and commentary every time he makes a new decision?

Posted by: Stuck In Location: C/S on Jun 22, 2008 at 07:24 PM
I agree Jon, Colorado is over-rated anyway.

Posted by: bridgette Location: Co spr on Jun 22, 2008 at 07:13 PM
did his wife come back with him?

Posted by: Lisa Location: Colorado Springs on Jun 22, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I agree.

Posted by: Jon Location: C/S on Jun 22, 2008 at 04:41 PM
It's even more sad that he's back. I thought part of the original terms of his departure agreement with the New Life Church was that he would stay away...

Posted by: Allen Location: C/S on Jun 22, 2008 at 12:23 PM
It's sad the media has no life/nothing better to report than the fact that he's back in town. No wonder this city is a cess pool.

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