Haggard Admits ‘Inappropriate Relationship’

NEW YORK – Fallen evangelical pastor Ted Haggard says he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a young male church volunteer, but it did not involve physical contact. NEWSCHANNEL 13 began investigating the claims almost two-year ago.

Haggard’s successor at Colorado Springs’ New Life Church, Brady Boyd, has said evidence pointed to an “inappropriate, consensual sexual relationship” between Haggard and the man, who was in his early 20s.

The man, Grant, told NEWSCHANNEL 13’s Tak Landrock that Haggard preformed a sex act infront of him, while both were visiting Cripple Creek back in the summer of 2006. Grant says he told Haggard that he didn’t want him to do that, but Grant says Haggard continues.

The young man was to afraid to come forward. Fearful no one would believe him. He did contact the church after Mike Jones, the gay escort, made his allegations.

Haggard said in a new statement Monday that he met with the young man two years ago, along with his wife and a representative of New Life Church. At that time, he asked the man’s forgiveness for “our inappropriate relationship.”

His statement says, “Although there was no physical contact, I have regretted my irresponsibile (sic) behavior.”