Out of the dark

Religion | Ted Haggard’s secret cost him his ministry, but exposure could grant him New Life | Mark Bergin

Newscasts from the Nov. 5 Sunday services at New Life Church in Colorado Springs captured deep emotional anguish and steely resolve on the tear-stained faces of a 14,000-member congregation in crisis. Parishioners listened quietly as a four-day national media circus of rumors and outlandish accusations culminated in the confirmation of their worst fears: Senior pastor Ted Haggard admitted to sexual immorality.

In a letter to the church, Haggard wrote, "I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life." An independent board of overseers announced its decision to remove Haggard permanently from his leadership role, one he had occupied since the church began with meetings in his basement 21 years ago.