Chapter 30 - Ted Haggard and the Male Escort Scandal - A Fall from Grace

The Ted Haggard scandal of 2006 shook the evangelical Christian community to its core. Ted Haggard, once a prominent figure in the American evangelical movement, was exposed for hiring a male escort and using methamphetamine, leading to his resignation and a public fall from grace. This incident not only shattered Haggard's personal and professional life but also raised broader questions about hypocrisy, faith, and the vulnerability of influential religious leaders.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence 

Ted Arthur Haggard was born on June 27, 1956, in Yorktown, Indiana. Raised in a Christian household, Haggard's early exposure to religion heavily influenced his future career path. He attended Oral Roberts University, where he further cemented his commitment to evangelical Christianity. In 1984, Haggard founded the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Over the years, his congregation grew rapidly, and his influence extended nationally and internationally.

Haggard also gained recognition as the founder of the Association of Life-Giving Churches and later became the President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) from 2003 to 2006. Under his leadership, Haggard shaped the evangelical stance on various issues, including homosexuality, which he strongly opposed,  a belief that would later cast a shadow of irony in light of his scandal.

The Scandal Breaks

In November 2006, Mike Jones, a male escort based in Denver, publicly alleged that he had engaged in a three year long sexual relationship with Ted Haggard. Jones also claimed that Haggard had purchased and used methamphetamine during their encounters. This revelation sent shockwaves throughout the evangelical community and the public at large.

Initially, Haggard denied the allegations, claiming he did not know Jones. However, as evidence mounted,  including voicemails and polygraph tests, Haggard admitted to purchasing meth but denied using it and denied having sex with Jones. Eventually, he admitted to some sexual immorality and resigned from his position as the president of the NAE and senior pastor of New Life Church.

The scandal ignited debates around the globe regarding morality, hypocrisy, and the pressures of leading a double life, especially for prominent religious leaders.

Media Frenzy and Public Reaction

The media's coverage of the Ted Haggard scandal was extensive, with major news outlets, talk shows, and late-night comedians weighing in. The scandal became emblematic of the perceived hypocrisy in religious institutions, especially given Haggard's public condemnation of homosexuality.

The evangelical community was deeply divided. Some condemned Haggard outright, while others extended grace and forgiveness. The scandal also reignited debates about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in religious communities and the psychological toll of leading a life inconsistent with one’s personal identity.

Haggard's Resignation and Public Apology

On November 2, 2006, Ted Haggard resigned as president of the NAE and was later dismissed from New Life Church. In a public letter addressed to his congregation, Haggard admitted to being a "deceiver and a liar" but expressed hope for personal and spiritual restoration. His public apology was met with mixed reactions, with some sympathizing with his struggle and others criticizing him for his hypocrisy.

Following his resignation, Haggard and his family underwent a restoration process supervised by a group of pastors. However, this process was criticized as performative and insufficient by some members of the public and media.

Impact on New Life Church and Evangelical Community

The aftermath of the scandal left New Life Church reeling. Membership declined, and the church struggled to find stable leadership. The scandal also forced the evangelical community to confront uncomfortable questions about accountability, leadership, and the stigmatization of homosexuality.

The NAE, too, faced significant backlash, with critics questioning their ability to uphold moral standards among their leaders. The scandal further fueled public skepticism toward organized religion, particularly regarding issues of morality and sexuality. 

Life After the Scandal

In the years following the scandal, Ted Haggard attempted to rebuild his life and reputation. He underwent therapy and counseling, publicly acknowledging his struggles with sexuality and substance use. In 2010, Haggard and his wife Gayle founded St. James Church in Colorado Springs, signaling his return to pastoral leadership.

Haggard's reemergence was met with mixed reactions. Supporters praised his courage and resilience, while critics viewed his return to ministry as premature and self-serving. His attempt to reconcile with the public remained an uphill battle, with lingering skepticism about his authenticity.

Broader Implications of the Scandal

The Ted Haggard scandal raised broader questions about the nature of religious leadership and the expectations placed upon evangelical pastors. It highlighted the intense pressure to conform to moral and social standards, particularly regarding sexuality. The scandal also underscored the perils of living a double life and the devastating consequences of personal failings in the public eye.

Additionally, the scandal prompted discussions about LGBTQ+ acceptance within the church. Haggard's public condemnation of homosexuality, juxtaposed with his own involvement with a male escort, exposed deep-seated contradictions within certain religious circles. This contradiction further fueled the call for greater inclusivity and understanding within the evangelical community.

Conclusion

The Ted Haggard scandal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy, the perils of unaddressed internal conflict, and the devastating fallout of public moral failings. Haggard's story remains a sobering reminder of the complexities of human nature, particularly within the realm of religious leadership.

While Haggard has attempted to move forward, the shadow of the scandal still lingers. The event not only shaped public discourse on religious hypocrisy but also prompted a broader conversation about authenticity, accountability, and inclusivity in faith communities.

Ultimately, the Ted Haggard scandal remains etched in public memory as one of the most shocking and consequential events in modern evangelical history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, transparency, and grace in all spheres of life,  religious or otherwise.