Ted Haggard: I Have Over-Repented

Ted Haggard now claims that he has "over-repented" for his encounters with rentboy Mike Jones, that he has no same-sex attraction, and that what occurred between he and Jones was merely "a massage gone awry."

"Ted Haggard," Mr. Haggard said, "needs to be leading a church." He acknowledged grave lapses of judgment in the episode he refers to as "my crisis." But Mr. Haggard also said that in his sorrow and shame, he accepted too much guilt after the scandal broke. "I over-repented," he said. In February 2008, Mr. Haggard asked to be released from supervision by other clergy. His former church, New Life, consented, though officials there put out a pointed statement calling Mr. Haggard's recovery incomplete.

The four pastors who supervised Mr. Haggard wouldn't comment on his new church. New Life pointed to an earlier statement, released in November 2008, that said, "we cannot endorse his return to vocational ministry." Mr. Haggard said that is ridiculous. He portrays his encounter with the prostitute as a massage that went awry and said he doesn't have same-sex attractions. He dismisses as a "witch hunt" the findings of his former church that he engaged in a pattern of misconduct, including sordid talk and inappropriate relationships.

Haggard's new church in Denver has been drawing a large enough crowd that they will soon move into a bigger facility.

(Tipped by JMG reader Hersch)

HomoQuotable - Mike Jones

"During the 1990s, when I worked as an escort in Denver, Colorado, I estimate at least 15 percent of my clientele were clergy or connected with the church in some way. There were one-timers and there were guys who came back again and again and again, and they were all the same: positively giddy when the encounter began, unable to look you in the eye as they left. The excitement that initially animated them was wholly overshadowed by the despondency and guilt that would overcome them as soon as it was over.

"I can’t imagine the guilt they were feeling. Not only were they having sex with another man—a sin punishable by God, in their minds—but I believe many of them were doing exactly what Father Gray did: stealing from their own churches. Maybe not a million bucks, maybe not even so much that anyone would notice. But more than once I was paid for my services with a handful of crinkled ones and fives. I would think to myself, how could they take from their own church’s collection plate? The answer is simple and sad: addicts will do whatever they need to do to support their habit." - Former rentboy and outer of Ted Haggard, Mike Jones, writing about Father Kevin Gray for the Daily Beast.

Mike Jones Is Pissed Off

Mike Jones, the man who first exposed Ted Haggard, just posted this emotional video to condemn the New Life Church and members of the gay community who have ostracized him since the scandal first broke.

Most of my anger is at New Life Church. For over two years, I have suffered being all alone out there, taking all the heat for all that’s going on. For all this time, they knew there were others. And they paid hush money to this man to be quiet, when they could have admitted it, that there were others right at that moment. And that would have helped me out so much, instead of putting me out there to face it all on my own. I am so angry at the church. They stated at that time that Mike Jones was the only man out there that had relations with Ted Haggard. And it’s wrong and it was a lie. And they owe me an apology.

Jim Burroway at Box Turtle Bulletin has the complete transcript of the clip.

The Trials Of Ted Haggard

A new documentary about Ted Haggard's post-scandal life is coming next month from HBO and Haggard will help the network promote it.

Disgraced evangelical leader Ted Haggard has agreed to help promote a new documentary following his life in exile after a 2006 sex scandal — no longer bound by an agreement with his former church that prohibited him from talking publicly about the events that led to his downfall.

"The Trials of Ted Haggard," directed by Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is set to air next month on HBO. Haggard has agreed to take part in publicity for the project, HBO said. "We look forward to presenting the film, Ted Haggard and his family at a press tour in Los Angeles next month," a spokeswoman for the cable network said Wednesday.

Haggard's latest return to the public eye comes after he re-emerged last month at a rural Illinois church, where he delivered guest sermons and said he was sexually abused as a second-grader.Haggard, 52, resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals and was fired as senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., in November 2006 after a former male prostitute went public with allegations that Haggard paid him for sex and used methamphetamine. A married father of five, Haggard said he bought the drugs but never used them. He confessed to undisclosed "sexual immorality" and has said, "I really did sin."

In February, New Life Church announced that Haggard prematurely ended a "restoration" process designed to help him heal. Neither Pelosi nor Haggard responded to requests for comment on the documentary, which is scheduled to first air Jan. 29. However, a Web site for a Toronto-based entertainment company that promotes HBO and other television projects describes it as "a behind-scenes-look at the rise and fall of Pastor Ted Haggard." The 41-minute documentary "follows Haggard and his family as they move from houses to motels as the excommunicated pastor tries to redeem himself and support his loved ones," it says.

I'll email Mike Jones and see if he's in the show.

Mike Jones Says No To Fox

The Denver Post is reporting that Mike Jones, the gay escort who brought down televangelist Ted Haggard, just turned down the producers of Fox's game show Moment Of Truth.

Mike Jones, the former male prostitute/masseur who jump-started the Ted Haggard scandal, just turned down a chance to make $500,000. But not the easy way. He was in talks with the people from Fox's "Moment of Truth," the game show that hooks you up to a lie detector and asks you embarrassing questions while your family/friends/ enemies listen in.

"It would be a ratings bonanza if I went on," Jones said. "But I volunteered to take a polygraph test when my story first broke, and I flunked it, so those things can happen. I'm not going to humiliate myself on national TV."

And who needs $500,000 anyway? "I could use $1,000," Jones said, with a laugh.

That Jones failed a lie detector test asking him the same questions that Haggard later copped to...well, that tells you how reliable those machines are.

Ted Haggard Finally Admits Having Gay Sex And Using Drugs (But Still Lies)

A Colorado Springs television station has obtained an email sent by disgraced former televangelist Ted Haggard to a personal friend in which Haggard for the first time admits having had sex with escort Mike Jones and having used unspecified drugs on several occasions.

But considering what the thus far unimpeached Mike Jones has said, Haggard's email doesn't tell the "hole" truth. I've bolded the apparent lies below.

In an e-mail obtained by NEWSCHANNEL 13, former New Life Church Pastor Ted Haggard admits to sexual contact with a gay escort and using drugs. This is the first public revelation of what Haggard claims is the full story of what happened between him and his accuser, Mike Jones.

Haggard sent the e-mail to close family friend Kurt Serpe back in October. In it, he writes: "I was referred to Mike Jones from the concierge at a Marriott hotel when I asked for a masseur." The e-mail then becomes more detailed and sexual in nature.

"It was during the massage that it started to become sensual, and that led to him masturbating me," writes Haggard. He continues with "That was and is our only sexual contact." Haggard adds because it was immoral it was this experience that caused him to confess immorality.

Jones went public about his alleged three-year paid relationship with Haggard in November 2006. Haggard was forced to quit as leader of New Life Church and head of The National Association of Evangelicals.

The e-mail also talks about drugs Haggard bought from Jones. "During the conversation with Mike during and after the time he masturbated me, he told me about some drugs that he could get for me that would enhance my masturbation experience."

Over the course of five visits, Haggard bought those drugs, but never specifies what kind. "I actually used them three times, throwing them away in shame before use two times. It is for these offenses that I confessed being immoral and deceitful."

Serpe tells NEWSCHANNEL 13 he asked Haggard point-blank for the truth. "I thought it was important to know, so I could have clarity." Serpe has known the Haggard family for more than 20 years. His family began going to New Life when Haggard held services in the basement of his home. Serpe stopped going to New Life after Haggard was forced to resign.

"He craved sex, he was a sexaholic," says Serpe. He believes it had nothing to do with homosexuality, but more about masturbation and gratification. "This is something that he has been struggling with all of his life," says Serpe. He says Haggard told him the relationship lasted only three-months, not three years.

Oh, now I get it. Haggard is a heterosexual sex addict whose need to whack off so overwhelmed him that he had to hire a male hooker to help. Isn't that what all horned-up straight guys do? Unfortunately for Ted, Mike Jones has described the sex he had with Haggard and it was far more than mere masturbation.

Haggard and his family moved back to their $700K home in Colorado last week after he flunked out the restraightification program he'd been sent to in Arizona.

Mike Jones: Naked B4 God

Mike Jones is performing a one-man show in Denver about his exposure of Ted Haggard.

Would you sacrifice everything to expose the hypocrisy of a man who influenced millions of believers? Naked Before God is the riveting true story of Mike Jones by Mike Jones, the man who revealed the truth about Ted Haggard’s secret life. Ted Haggard - minister, leader of the National Association of Evangelicals (and its thirty million followers), friend to politicians and the White House. And a three-year client of Mike Jones, a gay masseur who guaranteed satisfaction. Jones lays bare the facts of their relationship and events leading to his fateful disclosure. When is it right to betray a confidence? When does the right to know outweigh the right to privacy? And is telling the truth worth giving up everything you’ve worked for? Told with frank honesty and humor, Naked Before God is a fascinating and powerful night of theater!

Written by Neal J. Davis, Naked B4 God runs from March 13 - 22 at The Bug Theater in Denver.

Mike Jones' Book Found In Car Of Colorado Church Shooter

Colorado Springs police have reported that they recovered a copy of Mike Jones' autobiography from the vehicle of Colorado church shooter Matthew Murray. In December, Murray killed himself with a shot to the head after killing two people at the Youth With A Mission ministry in Arvada, Colorado, then killing two congregants at Denver's New Life Church, once home to disgraced evangelical minister Ted Haggard.

Jones' book, I Had To Say Something, recounts his experience working as a prostitute and crystal meth procurer for Haggard. Jones brought about Haggard's downfall when he revealed their relationship to a Colorado radio station in the fall of 2006. Prior to the shootings, Matthew Murray had expressed anger that New Life had forgiven Ted Haggard for his homosexuality, but had not forgiven him.

In the trunk of Murray's car, which was found in the New Life parking lot, was an AK-47 assault rifle, 28 gun magazines, and over 2000 bullets. Police also found a copy of Serial Murderers and Their Victims, by Eric W. Hicke, and a letter addressed "To God". The contents of the letter were not disclosed.

In 2002, Murray was dismissed from the Youth With A Mission group for what they described as "health reasons." Youth With A Mission has been described as "associated with the ex-gay organization Exodus International, has been criticized by some as a 'cult' and attacked for 'brainwashing' members and promoting anti-gay messages."

Ted Haggard, the New Life Church, and Youth With A Mission are all morally complicit in the murders committed by Matthew Murray. When you ostracize gay youth, when you tell them they are worthless, perverted, diseased sinners bound for eternal damnation, you have to bear some of the responsibility for the creature you have created. If I were the parents of those killed, I'd be suing every fucking one of them.

Idaho Paper Publishes Four Accounts Of Gay Sex with Senator Larry Craig

After months of investigation, today the Idaho Statesman published the stories of four gay men who describe their sexual encounters with Senator Larry Craig. The paper's web version of the story includes graphic audio clips from the four men. Two of them, Mike Jones and David Phillips, have previously told their stories on blogs (here and on Wonkette.)

From the Statesman story:

David Phillips. Mike Jones. Greg Ruth. Tom Russell.

Four gay men, willing to put their names in print and whose allegations can't be disproved, have come forward since news of U.S. Sen. Larry Craig's guilty plea. They say they had sex with Craig or that he made a sexual advance or that he paid them unusual attention.

They are telling their stories now because they are offended by Craig's denials, including his famous statement, "I am not gay, I never have been gay." Those words, spoken on live national TV on Aug. 28, are now memorialized on a just-released-for-Christmas Talking Senator Larry Craig Action Figure.

David Phillips is a 42-year-old information technology consultant in Washington, D.C., who says Craig picked him up at a gay club in 1986 and that they subsequently had sex.

Mike Jones is a former prostitute who told the world he had sex with the Rev. Ted Haggard last year. The former Colorado Springs evangelist at first denied it but eventually confessed. Jones says Craig paid him for sex in late 2004 or early 2005.

Greg Ruth was a 24-year-old college Republican in 1981 when he says he was hit on by Craig at a Republican meeting in Coeur d'Alene.

Tom Russell, now 48, is a former Nampa resident who lives in Utah. Russell said his encounter with Craig occurred at Bogus Basin in the early 1980s.

A fifth gay man, who is from Boise but who declined to be named for fear of retaliation, offered a recent and telling account: He was in a men's restroom at Denver International Airport in September 2006 when the man in the next stall moved his hand slowly, palm up, under the divider. Alarmed, the man said he waited outside the restroom and then identified the man in the adjoining stall as Craig, whom he had met in Idaho.

As the story states, there is no smoking glory hole here. No voice mails, no emails, no photographs. But I quite glad that the Statesman felt confident enough in their sources and the corroboration of Craig's travel records to put these mens' stories on the record, particularly Mike Jones'. Now let's see what the MSM does with this on Monday.
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Jones On Craig

Here's a portion of the email Mike Jones sent me regarding his motivation for making it known that Sen. Larry Craig was his escorting client and how he feels about the reaction so far.

As far as trying to make money of these situations as I am being accused of, please consider this information:

I did not attempt blackmail on Ted Haggard. I actually could be on the Church payroll if I blackmailed him and still have my private life intact. Of course if I had done that, he still would be condemning gays and the evangelical voting block would still be as powerful as always and I would have money in the bank instead of the $500 I have now. Remember, Harpers magazine stated that no pastor held more political sway than Haggard.

Did I attempt to blackmail Craig? No. I could have though but I thought it was more important to keep him to his word of resigning instead of me making money. I had and have nothing to gain from this situation. I have learned that there are others that have had dealings with Craig. But they do not want to come forward. I seem to be the only one who has the guts to do it and tell the truth, for which I am condemned for.

Here is a detailed account of my situation regarding the Craig story. First I would like to thank the people that can really see what it is and supported me from Haggard to this. But mostly this is a response to the people who are so quick to judge. Here is a big piece of the story that people do not know and who are accusing me of riding the wave for attention.

First of all I did not have a long term situation with Craig. I only saw him one time. I did not know who he was until his recent story broke. When I saw him on the news, I said to myself, “I cannot believe this hypocrite, he came to see me.” There are a couple of things that made him stand out to me for me to remember like, “Do you follow politics Mike? Then when I said yes he quickly changed the subject. Right then I said to myself, this guy is a politician. Certainly not my first. But his question was a give away. Through sources that I gave for a time frame that I say he saw me, it was verified that he did travel to Colorado during that time. So you see, that was my verification to myself that that was him. You might say coincidence but really, I remember him and how would I guess the date from several years ago?

Several news organizations have had my story for six weeks at least. I was in constant communication with them. I told them I did not want my story out unless Craig reversed his promise to resign. The story would have probably run but I told them to hold off. And if I was doing it for publicity I would have run with it immediately. And by the way all the major news organizations wanted me on TV with this story. But did you see me on FOX or CNN regarding this? NO. I did not make this about me. I made it about being honest and holding people to their promises. Once again the word is hypocrisy. And remember which Senator voted against the Hate Crimes Bill! Sorry, I need to stand up and speak!

When we judge so quickly we in a sense are no better than the religious right. We hate it when they judge because of dislikes, but many people have done the same to me. If you dislike me because of jealously, or lack of information and knowledge, then I cannot change that. I am not perfect and have never claimed to be, but I, Mike Jones, have no regrets for who I am.

Incidentally, Mike Jones tells me he considers himself "set-up" by the Palm Springs radio station to whom he make his revelation, adding that the host of the show even left him a voicemail apologizing for the "Gotcha!" interview. Jones had not planned on making the story known that day.

Bombshell From Mike Jones: "Larry Craig Visited Me"

When the Larry Craig scandal first unfolded, Mike Jones told me that Sen. Larry Craig had been an escorting client of his. I asked Mike if he could prove his claim, but he said that while he didn't have voice mail messages to backup his claim, as he did with Ted Haggard, he would nevertheless come forward IF Craig did not follow through on his resignation.

Today Jones told a Las Vegas radio station, "Larry Craig visited me." Like Haggard did, in the beginning, a spokesman for Larry Craig told the radio station that Jones' allegations are "completely false."

It's been killing me to keep this to myself, as you can WELL imagine. Now the story is finally out, since Craig has reneged on his promise to resign. Proof may not be as conclusive as it was for Ted Haggard, but Mike Jones has a credible track record. I believe him.

Haggard's Web Of Lies Unravels

The head of the halfway house that Ted Haggard claims to be moving into says he had no knowledge of Haggard's plan, saying of Haggard's email plea to former parishioners, "That was something that was totally unbeknownst to us when he sent it." Additionally, the registered sex offender that runs the charity that Haggard requested donations be sent to, Paul Huberty of Families With A Mission, says that Haggard acted on his own.

Monday, Paul Huberty wrote to the Colorado Springs Gazette, saying, "Our non-profit organization never authorized a mass public appeal for donations for the Haggard family, nor were we even aware of it until published by the media. Not one donation has been solicited by our non-profit organization designated to or supporting the Haggard family — and our organization has not sent any solicited financial support to Pastor Haggard."

According to the Gazette, Huberty spent six months in military prison after being convicted in 1996 of "consensual sodomy, fondling his genitals in public, indecent acts and adultery." The charges involved a 17 year-old girl in Huberty's care. In 2004, Huberty was convicted of sexual assault in Hawaii, where he is now a registered sex offender. His sentence stipulates that he not contact minors over the internet or visit schools.

Man, the Rev can't catch a break. Even the pervs don't got his back.

Haggard Charity Run By Sex Offender

Adding another level of slime to the affair, Dan Savage emailed me on Friday to hip me that one of his readers has uncovered that the charity that Ted Haggard directed his former flock to donate to on his behalf, Families With A Mission, was "voluntarily dissolved" in February of this year and that the "registered agent" of the charity, Paul Huberty, is a registered sex offender in Hawaii and was previously arrested (while station in the military in Germany) for for having sex with a 17 year-old female in his care. This is the guy who gets 10% of the donations for "administrative costs"? Excellent investigative sleuthing by Savage and crew. As Dan puts it, "How do you get a tax deduction from a dissolved charity?"

Ted Haggard: Send Me Cash (Again) And You'll Go To Heaven

Ted "Completely Heterosexual" Haggard and his family are moving into a Phoenix halfway-house where they will minister "in whatever capacity asked, whether it's cleaning the building, hosting a visiting group, attending a meeting, or facilitating a study." And despite that his former employers, the New Life Church, agreed to pay his $138K salary through 2007, Haggard has issued his former flock a letter begging that they donate to support him, for which he promises that they be will "rewarded in heaven".

It looks as though it will take two years for us to have adequate earning power again, so we are looking for people who will help us monthly for two years. During that time we will continue as full time students, and then, when I graduate, we won't need outside support any longer.

But for the next two years, we will need support. Between now and the end of the year, we have to find the people who want to help us transition into our future. So I am starting today to let friends like you know that we are raising money for support as we move into the Phoenix Dream Center.

Would you be willing to help us find people who can give a one time gift or make a commitment to help support us monthly for two years? If so, that would be a blessing.

If people want to support us directly, they can mail checks to Ted and Gayle Haggard, 9699 N. Hayden, Suite 108, PMB 180, Scottsdale, AZ 95259. This is a private mail box address that we have been using since we moved to the Phoenix area. If any supporters need a tax deduction for their gift, they can mail it to Families With a Mission at P.O. Box 63125, Colorado Springs, CO 80962. The supporters would need to write their check to "Families With A Mission" and put a separate note on it that it is for the Haggard family, then Families With a Mission will mail us 90% of the funds for support and use 10% for administrative costs.

Thank you so much. We feel our move into the Dream Center is the next step God would have us take. Any help we can get with this will be greatly appreciated and, I believe, rewarded in heaven.

Outrageous. The blood-sucking just never stops, does it? Colorado Confidential notes that the Haggards still own their 5-bedroom Colorado Springs home, which is valued at over $700,000. The upside - we now have Ted's address. I think I'll send him a postcard wishing him well on his "recovery". Or something like that.

UPDATE: Mike Jones emailed me to say: "To all the people who called me names and demised the importance of what I did need to look no further. If I had never said anything, he would still be sucking money from patsies and telling gays they are going to hell. If you look at this letter and his “apology letter” one thing is clear, “Feel sorry for me”. He plays the sympathy card well and tries to pull on the heart strings of the vulnerable. I live in a small room which I rent from a friend. I lost everything when I exposed Haggard, but I did not go begging for money. I have not even asked my best friend for a dime. But boy it would be nice to have two years to go to school and have all bills paid. If Ted Haggard really wanted to give back to the community and god, then he should volunteer at the Gay and Lesbian Center or deliver meals to people with AIDS or other life threatening situations, since these are the people he hurt the most during his reign. I will say this again; wait until after the first of the year when his hush period ends, he will return. Keeping this silence is killing him. - MJ"

Blogs Of The City

Armistead Maupin has launched a blog. Interestingly, he mentions wanting to meet Mike Jones, saying, "Hustlers, for my money, do far more good than pastors." Testify! I sent Mike an email to nudge him to drop by and say hello to Mr. Maupin. You should do the same.

I was rereading a bit of Michael Tolliver Lives last night, and as always, I'm struck by the parallels between Mouse's life and mine. Orlando, San Francisco, a one-time go-go experience, the list goes on. Um, except for the part about having a lover half my age. Not that there's anything wrong with that! Oh, and I was never paralyzed. But still!

Swag Tuesday

Courtesy of Seven Stories Press, today's Swag Tuesday prize is a hardback copy of Mike Jones' brand new autobiography, The Art Of Ted Haggard's Fall: I Had To Say Something (cowriter: Sam Gallegos). The book ships this week.

I can't imagine that any regular reader of this or most any other gay blog would not know who Mike Jones is, but on that odd chance, go here or here (or click on his topic label) to read about Jones' stunning revelation, which earned him being voted by the readers of this and many other gay blogs as 2006 Queer Of The Year. The political fallout of Haggard's disgrace continues today.

Mike sent me an advance of the book last week and I raced through it one evening after dinner. And what do you know, gentle readers? Y'all are in the book! Mike gave the readers of JMG a very heartfelt message of thanks in the final chapter, the classy guy. The book's a breezy read, Mike and his co- writer have delivered a simple, personal recounting of the story, complete with juicy sex tidbits about the Reverend sprinkled here and there. Ugh. But I still loved reading it.

Enter to win I Had To Say Something by commenting on this post. Only your first comment counts and please include your email address. Publicists, if you'd like to take part in Swag Tuesday on JMG, please email me.

Mike Jones: Book, Honors

Previewing the June release of his book, I Had To Say Something: The Art Of Ted Haggard's Fall (co-authored by Sam Gallegos), there is a great story about Mike Jones in the current issue of the Advocate. On May 24th, Jones will be the honoree of San Francisco's Harvey Milk Club, where he will receive the Harry Britt Achievement Award.

It's wonderful to see Jones getting more recognition for his brave actions, which I consider to be a linchpin of turning last year's mid-term elections. Many of you clearly agree, having voted Jones as 2006 Queer Of The Year. I look forward to reading his book.

Mike Jones Tries Again

Mike Jones has managed to get his "Ted Haggard Massage Table" relisted on eBay. And now Rev. Karen Booth, the fundie that got it pulled the first time, in once again calling on her minions to barrage eBay with complaints. From her site, Transforming Congregations:

MEMO TO EBAY

From: Rev. Karen Booth
To: Customer Relations
Re: Offensive Listing

To Whom It May Concern:

I want to draw your attention to eBay item 290092184603 “Ted Haggard Massage Table.”

This item is not only offensive to any person in the eBay community who might be personally connected to Mr. Haggard, but is also highly offensive to Christians, particularly conservative evangelicals. I think it is a violation of eBay’s stated Community Values and I ask you to remove the listing from the eBay website.

I have put an alert on my ministry’s national website and have also informed other national Christian ministries, including the American Family Association. (The auction is also being discussed on several Internet blogs.) If the offensive listing is not removed, I will encourage my supporters to boycott eBay, which I also intend to do.

Rev. Booth is typically fundie-obsessed with homosexuals, check out her "hot topics" under "be informed" Or maybe just send her an email, laden with "Christian love", as I just did, @ transcong@aol.com.
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Ebay Pulls Jones' Massage Table

Mike Jones emailed me last night to tell me that after letting it run for 9 days, eBay has pulled his "Ted Haggard massage table" for "violation of charity policy". Before the auction posted, Jones spent 30 minutes on the phone with an Ebay representative ensuring that he met their criteria. But the fundies rallied to deluge eBay with complaints and eBay caved, depriving Denver's Angel Heart HIV/AIDS food service of the proceeds. Shame on eBay!
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An Escort We Love

Mike Jones has placed his infamous "Ted Haggard Massage Table" up for auction on eBay, to benefit Denver's Project Angel Heart, which delivers meals to people with HIV/AIDS. Anybody want to own a piece of American political history? That massage table belongs in the Smithsonian. I love that Mike's eBay seller name is "escortmjones".
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