Ted Haggard, the 53-year-old married father of five and disgraced former Evangelical New Life Church pastor, is starting his own church, according to CNN.
Haggard made national headlines in 2006 after allegations came to light about his involvement in gay prostitution and drug use. The allegations, to which Haggard partially confessed, later lead to his dismissal from the New Life Church and his resignation from the National Association of Evangelicals.
Haggard had served as President of the association that represents more than 45,000 Christian churches with an estimated 30 million members nationwide.
After his confession, church leaders from New Life asked Haggard to leave the state of Colorado. Haggard honored their wishes and temporarily moved his family to Arizona.
But Haggard is back, opening his new church, the Saint James Church, in Colorado Springs, CO. It will reportedly “welcome all.” The new church will be dedicated to helping "other people go through the difficult times in their lives."
Haggard said during a press conference, "All are welcome. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, gay, straight, bi-[sexual] tall, short, addict, recovering addict....I believe Jesus' arms are open to all."
Earlier this year, Haggard said he was cured of his gay “compulsions” through extensive therapy.
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