Accused pastor should quit church post

The Rev. Ted Haggard should be thanked for his decision Thursday to step down as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. What must come next is his resignation from the 14,000-member Colorado Springs, Colo., church of which he is pastor. Haggard, accused by a male prostitute of a gay affair is on administrative leave from New Life Church. To remain a part of the staff in any capacity will continue to bring negative attention to the church. The Denver Post reported Friday that Haggard's accuser, Mike Jones, failed a lie-detector test, which restores a portion of the credibility Haggard has lost but not enough to buy him more time as leader of his congregation. Haggard has admitted to some of the allegations made against him but vigorously denies the affair. Now comes word that Haggard says he bought meth from Jones but -- get this -- threw it away before using it. (Note to self: Resist the temptation to compare him to a former president.)

Religious leaders are held to a higher standard and thus must accept stricter punishment for indiscretions. In today's world, where information travels at a blinding speed, this at times must be extended to allegations.
Haggard's church, posted a press release Thursday on its Web site confirming the pastor was on leave during an investigation by the church's governing board.

If does not leave his church, the church should remove him immediately.