Ted Haggard Leaves Colorado, Finally...
"The Rev. Ted Haggard moved Wednesday from his longtime home in Colorado Springs to Phoenix, where the disgraced minister will join the same church that helped fallen televangelist Jim Bakker...
(Interestingly, Bakker, still a X-tian minister, preaches against anti-gay crusades)
"When he moved out of town today, there was a kind of relief on the part of the church that life can get back to normal," said the Rev. H.B. London, one of three ministers overseeing what has been called Haggard's "restoration."
"For the Haggards, it is the beginning of a huge new chapter. It's a brand new start for them, the beginning of a new beginning."...
In Phoenix, Haggard plans to pursue a graduate degree in counseling at an area university, said London, who heads an outreach effort for pastors through Focus on the Family, the Colorado Springs-based conservative Christian group.
London was not sure where Haggard would be studying. The Haggards and two of their children — another three are grown— are expected to live in a home made available by a supporter.
Ted and Gayle Haggard have ties to Phoenix. The couple spent three weeks at a secular treatment center in the area after the scandal broke.
(Where and what is THAT?)
The Pentecostal church they will attend, "Phoenix First Assembly of God," is led by the Rev. Tommy Barnett, another member of Haggard's restoration team.
Bakker, the televangelist, found refuge at Barnett's church after being released from federal prison for bilking supporters of $158 million. He volunteered at a Los Angeles church mission run by Barnett's son.
London said he believes Barnett told his congregation Sunday that Haggard would be joining them...
(They're thrilled!)
Haggard faces a test in going from being on the pulpit to becoming just another face in the pews, London said.
"Once you were in charge of a megachurch and a mega-staff and making mega-decisions, now your main decision is where you're going to school, where to eat and what you're going to do on your day off," London said...
Ware said Haggard is continuing to receive counseling, which officials said will include an exploration of his sexuality. Haggard has told his advisers he does not believe he's gay.
(Just keep saying that, over and over.)
As part of a severance package that will pay Haggard through 2007, Haggard agreed not only to leave town but to refrain from discussing the scandal publicly...Haggard's most recent annual salary was about $138,000, benefits excluded.
Don't forget!— It's not too late to Bet On Ted!
I found this whole story, by Eric Gorski, AP Religion Writer, at the Global Chinese Christian News Service. The tshirt (not mine, but I wish it was!) is here. I want one in pink!
