Staff responded to new allegations in a two-year-old sex scandal involving former pastor Ted Haggard
Former New Life church pastor Ted Haggard
/ AP photo
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- In 2006, a male prostitute in Denver revealed his three-year, cash-for-sex relationship with former pastor Ted Haggard.
In response, Haggard was forced out of New Life Church, one he built from the ground up.
Now New Life Church officials have admitted another young man came forward in late 2006 saying he too had a sexual relationship with Haggard.
On Sunday New Life's Pastor Brady Boyd told his congregation the man reached a legal settlement with the church nearly two years ago, and added officials in charge at the time agreed to pay for his counseling and college tuition under one condition: that the matter never be discussed publicly.
"I am sorry that this wound has been re-opened for many of you, I am sorry," Boyd said.
He said for the last two years the church has known about the young man and his allegations against Haggard.
"We have carried the burden and the weight of this information to protect you. We have been diligent and faithful, pastoral and honest every step of the way, but we have carried the weight of it hoping the church could move forward," Boyd said.
He said the young man, who recently decided to come forward, has received countless hours of ministry and prayer along with a large settlement.
"In 2007 he hired an attorney, and that attorney negotiated with our insurance company for a settlement, so I want to clarity something today -- your tithe money was not used," Boyd explained.
Boyd said the young man used the money for counseling and college tuition, among other things.
Despite the news, he said New Life Church will continue to move forward.
"One day we might have a little scar tissue, but the wound will not always define us. The wound will not always be with us," Boyd said.
After the service members of the church expressed their feelings toward Boyd's message.
"I think he is doing a good job of rallying the church together, helping us move on past what this whole situation is," Pete Gannon said.
"I think whatever they decided ,it was in God's hands and in the best interest of the church, so I think we are OK," Frank Quintana said.
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