by First Freedom First
Member since:
August 25, 2006

Haggard Scandal Is Latest Setback In Tough Year For Religious Right

November 04, 2006 09:58 PM EST
views: 31 | comments: 17

Religious Right Leaders Ought To Focus On Their Own Family Before They Try To Fix Everybody Else's

Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following statement regarding today's revelations about the conduct of the Rev. Ted Haggard, the president of the National Association of Evangelicals.

"It's been a really tough year for the Religious Right," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, Americans United executive director. "Their great moral champion Tom DeLay left Congress in disgrace. Their 'family values' allies in the House were caught covering up the Mark Foley scandal. Then they learned that Karl Rove's office thinks they're nuts. And, now, one of their most influential leaders is mired in scandal.

"It's interesting to see that Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell are abandoning the sinking ship of their erstwhile colleague by trying to minimize his stature. In fact, Haggard represented far more people than both of those two combined.

"It looks as though Religious Right leaders ought to focus on their own family before they try to fix everybody else's."

Americans United is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.

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Comments: 17

Necronic L. Nov 4, 2006, 10:05pm EST
Great article. The cause for separation of church and state is ever more evident in these cases.
A Mended Soul Nov 4, 2006, 10:13pm EST
I would like to see an indepth discussion about how the very moralists who try to pass judgement on the rest of us seem to fall the hardest. I was assaulted by a Roman Catholic priest and continue to be amazed at the cavalier attitude that I see and hear from the hierarchy of the church. Now, these moralizing ministers are projecting their own self-loathing onto us by spitting fear and mockery. I just feel for his wife and kids.
First Freedom First Nov 4, 2006, 10:23pm EST
I do feel for Ted Haggard's family, but his actions are a perfect example of why he has no moral authority to try and set policy for all of us. Haggard had regular meetings with the current administration, and with congressional leaders. He has worked to pass anti-gay ballot initiatives in a number of states.

Please visit the First Freedom First web site at www.firstfreedomfirst.org and sign the petition. We want to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding separation of church and state, and protecting religious liberty.

Thanks,
Beth
Dave M Nov 4, 2006, 11:52pm EST
When the Right Wing Chrisitan coalition is destroyed,
I will be pleased.

The Republican Party's power base is crumbling.

2004 borne again Christian vote: Republican 78%
2006 " " " " Republican 57%

Hopefully, after Haggard, the #s will continue to drop.

They are losing their jest for politics and disappointed
because the Republican Party has deceived them.
P M. Nov 5, 2006, 1:25am EST
I would love to hear how you on the left can explain another example of your hypocrisy. You are so critical of Haggart for his offense simply because he is conservative but you said nothing when the very liberal Rev Jessie Jackson produced a child out of wedlock, stole charity money to pay the mom and DID NOT STEP DOWN from his position. Before you all become so holier than thou--remember there are such cretures as left wing ministers.
Stephen Murray Nov 5, 2006, 1:57am EST
If Jesse Jackson had made a career out of demonizing out-of-wedlock marriage, there might be some basis for comparison. BTW, it's Haggard and Jesse.
P M. Nov 5, 2006, 2:17am EST
There's the spin I expected
luckky _. Nov 5, 2006, 8:03am EST
If you want to mention Jackson as a religious hypocrit, why not mention Bush who said he was divinely inspired by God to invade Iraq? Suppose he was in a Nuremburg Tribunal for his crimes, how would it look like if he used that bogus claim as an excuse?
Greg Schiller Nov 5, 2006, 8:53am EST
Talk about hypocrisy, Ted Kennedy murdered a young woman and the Democrats elevated him to the leadership

Anyone who pays the slightest attention to the news is fully aware that when scandals break on the right, the offenders are shown the door, when scandals break on the left......they are elevated to leadership, a phenomena that the careers of Kennedy, Jackson, Sharpton and the Clinton's attest to.
Richard B. Nov 5, 2006, 9:19am EST
People do do the damnest things don't they.
Stephen Murray Nov 5, 2006, 12:55pm EST
Update from AP: Less than 24 hours after he was fired from the pulpit of the evangelical megachurch he founded, the Rev. Ted Haggard confessed to his followers Sunday that he was guilty of sexual immorality.
In a letter that was read to the congregation of the New Life Church by another clergyman, Haggard apologized for his acts and requested forgiveness.
"I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment for all of you," he said, adding that he had confused the situation by giving inconsistent remarks to reporters denying the scandal.
"The fact is I am guilty of sexual immorality. And I take responsibility for the entire problem. I am a deceiver and a liar."
First Freedom First Nov 5, 2006, 11:01pm EST
P.M. it's not "spin" it's reality. Haggard made a career out of demonizing gays and working to pass anti-gay ballot initiatives -- at the same time he was involved in a sexual relationship with a man. That is the definition of hypocrisy.
Greg Schiller Nov 6, 2006, 8:29am EST
Apparently Mr. Haggard has established his credentials for a leadership position in The Democratic Party.
First Freedom First Nov 6, 2006, 6:28pm EST
Greg, there are good and bad elected officials in both major parties. It is important to remember the value of separation of church and state, and work to safeguard it. As citizens, we must do all we can to insure that our elected officials do not give preference to one religious belief.
Kat Eldred Nov 7, 2006, 12:11am EST
Thank you, Freedom, for offering a sane voice. Growing up in the 1970's I was taught that important value of the seperation of church and state. It was never a question, it was taught at every public school. When did this all change so drastically?

Considering current events, maybe "Religious Wrong" would be more accurate?
luckky _. Nov 8, 2006, 6:20am EST
~~ Apparently Mr. Haggard has established his credentials for a leadership position in The Democratic Party.~~


Correction: the Republican party.
luckky _. Nov 8, 2006, 6:28am EST
~~ Considering current events, maybe "Religious Wrong" would be more accurate?~~


All the more reason why every real American should read:

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