New Life to
discuss Haggard scandal with congregation

Leaders of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., will hold what they're calling a ''day of hope'' Sunday to discuss the claims of drug use and gay sex that led to the downfall of founding pastor Ted Haggard.

''What we have in mind for that Sunday is to give some closure to our congregation from this difficult time and also some perspective on the road ahead for the Haggard family as they enter this season of restoration,'' said Rob Brendle, an associate pastor.

Last year Haggard was forced out as senior pastor at the 14,000-member New Life Church and resigned as head of the National Association of Evangelicals after a Denver man, Mike Jones, came forward alleging the pastor had paid him for sex and sometimes used crystal meth when they were together. Haggard, who is married, has publicly admitted to ''sexual immorality'' and has undergone intensive, Bible-based counseling.

Haggard told church members in a recent e-mail that his family planned to leave Colorado Springs and that he and his wife planned to pursue master's degrees in psychology. (AP)