Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Ted Haggard soliciting funds

Would it be too harsh to say that it's time he started cleaning up his own messes and not expect others to support him? Shouldn't he learn to support his family without looking for handouts? (I'm thinking of 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.)

Disgraced minister Ted Haggard is asking that donations to support him and his family be sent to a Monument group run by a twice-convicted sex offender.

Haggard, who has moved with his family to Phoenix, could not be reached for comment Monday.

[...]

Haggard's new troubles surfaced after he e-mailed KRDO- TV in Colorado Springs last week seeking support while he and his family live in the Phoenix Dream Center, a halfway house for the homeless, recovering addicts, prostitutes, ex-cons and other "broken people."Haggard told KRDO "we are looking for people who will help us monthly for two years" while he and his wife seek counseling degrees at the University of Phoenix.

Haggard wrote that supporters could mail checks to him in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"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," Haggard added.

Haggard didn't note in the solicitation that he was paid one year's salary of $138,000 in a severance package by New Life's board and still owns a Colorado Springs home valued at $715,000, according to the El Paso County assessor's office.

Haggard's 2006 salary was reported as $115,000 plus an $85,000 bonus. He also collects royalties on his book titles, although it was unknown how much he receives from that. His books have been pulled from the New Life Church's bookstore.
(via)