Head of US evangelicals quits over gay sex claims

The Rev Ted Haggard one of biggest supporter of George Bush and very strong opponent of same sex marriage has resigned after he was accused of paying for sex with a man. He said he is resigning voluntarily so that investigations against him about accusations of paying for sex with man can go smoothly and with integrity. Good Decision. Let see what will be the outcomes. But one thing is for sure if this proves right  than its a matter of great concern for US and for society as whole.

The leader of America’s powerful National Association of Evangelicals, a vocal supporter of George Bush and opponent of same-sex marriage, has resigned after being accused of paying for sex with a man.

The Rev Ted Haggard, a married father of five who is seen as one of the most influential conservative Christians in the nation, vigorously denied the allegations but said he could not “continue to minister under the cloud created by the accusations.”

He also temporarily stepped aside from his position as head of the New Life Church in Colarado Springs – which has 14,000 members - while a church panel investigates the claims.

“I am voluntarily stepping aside from leadership so that the overseer process can be allowed to proceed with integrity. I hope to be able to discuss this matter in more detail at a later date”, he said in a written statement.

Mr Haggard, who was appointed president of the 30 million-member association in March 2003, insisted the claims were untrue, saying: “I have never had a gay relationship with anybody, and I’m steady with my wife, I’m faithful to my wife.”

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