Fallen evangelical pastor Ted Haggard apologized Monday for his “inappropriate relationship” with a young male volunteer at New Life Church but said it did not involve physical contact.
The newly disclosed relationship added a chapter to Haggard’s dramatic fall, which began in November 2006 when a Denver male prostitute alleged a cash-for-sex relationship with Haggard.
In Monday’s statement, Haggard said he met with the man two years ago and asked him for “forgiveness for our inappropriate relationship.” Haggard’s wife and a representative of New Life Church attended the meeting. “Although there was no physical contact, I have regretted my irresponsible behavior,” he said.
Haggard’s successor at New Life Church, Brady Boyd, disclosed details of the relationship Friday. He said then that evidence pointed to a long-running “inappropriate, consensual sexual relationship” between Haggard and the man, who was in his early 20s. On Monday, Boyd clarified that “sexual” didn’t necessarily mean physical contact. The Associated Press
