Haggard's former church holds ‘day of hope’

COLORADO SPRINGS (AP) - Numerous individuals reported knowledge of New Life Church founder Ted Haggard's struggle with a "dark side," leading to his departure from the mega-church, a member of the church's board of overseers told parishioners Sunday.

Haggard resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals in November after former male escort Mike Jones alleged Haggard paid him for sex and sometimes snorted methamphetamine. Haggard was removed as senior pastor at New Life and admitted to "sexual immorality" in a letter to the church.

"Concerning Ted and his family, we have done extensive fact-finding into his lifelong battle with a 'dark side' which he said in his confession letter has been a struggle for years," Pastor Larry Stockstill, part of the church's board of overseers, told the 14,000-member congregation Sunday.

"We have verified the reality of that struggle through numerous individuals who reported to us firsthand knowledge of everything from sordid conversation to overt suggestions to improper activities to improper relationships. These findings established a pattern of behavior that culminated in the final relationship in which Ted was, as a matter of grace, caught," he said.

Stockstill did not elaborate.

Church leaders had billed Sunday as a "day of hope" to discuss claims against Haggard and to bring closure to church members.

The Haggards have agreed to move from Colorado Springs, Stockstill said. The family was considering the Minneapolis and Phoenix areas, and communities in Missouri and Iowa.

The church will provide the Haggards with financial support over the next year, roughly equivalent to the $130,000 salary Haggard received as pastor, Associate Pastor Rob Brendle told The Colorado Springs Gazette.