Remember Ted Haggard, the respected Colorado mega-church leader who routinely condemned degenerate homosexuals from the pulpit while himself enjoying the company of gay prostitutes and the effects of methamphetamine? Well, he’s back in the news today. According to the now certificably-straight Haggard, he’s opening a new church with the help of his wife and family. Here’s a clip from the Atlanta Atheism Examiner:
…Today’s press conference, only moments ago, revealed the plans to open his new church to be named St. James Church, referring to the book of James and saying, “faith without works is dead.” The initial expectation is not to have another mega church, but rather Haggard would be “happy with a handful of people”….
An invitation to all people from different walks of life was given by Haggard, inclusive of all sexual orientations. Haggard says, “I don’t judge people anymore.” The goal of the church, according to Haggard, “is to help those that are broken.” He described himself by proclaiming, “I am still broken… some.”
An immediate opening for counseling of couples was surprisingly offered by letting people know that the Haggard’s home phone number was listed in the local phone book.
When asked about what positions he would take as pastor, Haggard said that he would take the bible “verse by verse” and not with the desire to be a “political activist”. The first official sermon will start with the book of Hebrews, Haggard announced…
Putting aside for a moment the ridiculous notion that he prayed himself out of homosexuality, it sounds pretty good, right? Here’s this guy, with his sordid history, recreating himself and opening up his arms, and his home, to people of all sexual orientations – people longing for a personal connection to God, who haven’t been able to find it in a traditional church setting. It could be a kind of beautiful little thing, with him and a small handful of quirky outsiders learning to love themselves for who they are, etc. Unfortunately, though, I don’t think that’s what’s going on here, as evidenced by the fact that Haggard was today joined by reality television publicist Amy Prenner, who counts among her successes the show The Girls Next Door, which is about the brainless fembots used to service the still-ejaculating robed husk that was once Hugh Hefner. So, I think I can pretty safely say that this is more about selling a television concept than it is about doing the work of the Lord. But I didn’t expect anything different from Pastor Ted, who was always more of a showman than a man of God… Regardless, I may have to finally break down and invest in a TV… I sure as hell don’t want to miss him eating da poo poo, if it comes to that.
