Ted Haggard Launches New "Inclusive" Church (But No Gay Weddings, Evah!)

Yesterday disgraced evangelist and rentboy patron Ted Haggard issued a press release teasing that he would make a "groundbreaking statement" today. Yeah, not all that groundbreaking.

During his press conference at his Colorado Springs home, surrounded by his family, Haggard said his new church's theme would be to "help other people go through the difficult times in their lives." Everyone will be welcome: Democrat, Republican, gay, straight, addicts, tall, short, etc. This career move comes three and a half years after Haggard, once the head of the National Association of Evangelicals and a spiritual advisor to President George W. Bush, was outed by a male prostitute for soliciting gay sex and buying crystal meth. The pastor credits counseling, prayer and the support of his family for helping him become heterosexual again, though "with issues." (For more on these struggles, check out HBO's The Trials of Ted Haggard, or Gayle Haggard's book, Why I Stayed.) Haggard said that he doesn't expect St. James to become another megachurch, but "helping one is better than helping none." The church's name comes from the Bible's book of James, which emphasizes good works along with faith; Haggard said it stems from the "tangible form" of love and help that his family received after his fall from grace.

Wonkroom tweets: "Haggard clarified that he will not perform gay weddings in his new church." Haggard also hinted that there may a reality show in the works about his latest endeavor.

UPDATE: Here's video of the press conference.