A prominent evangelical preacher and opponent of gay marriage has temporarily stepped down from his church leadership role amid allegations that he had a three-year relationship with a former male escort. Though the Rev. Ted Haggard denies the claim, Mike Jones says he has voicemails and a letter from Haggard, and intends to take a polygraph test.


Rocky Mountain News:

Mike Jones, 49, of Denver, made his allegations on the Peter Boyles show on KHOW 630 AM, saying he was compelled to come forward because he believes Haggard, an opponent of same-sex unions, is being hypocritical.

“After sitting back and contemplating this issue, the biggest reason is being a gay man all my life, I have experience with my friends, some great sadness of people that were in a relationship through the years,” and were not able to enjoy the same rights and privileges as a married man and woman, Jones told Boyles on air.

“I felt it was my responsibility to my fellow brothers and sisters, that I had to take a stand, and I cannot sit back anymore and hear (what) to me is an anti-gay message.”

Haggard told KUSA Channel 9 that “I’ve never had a gay relationship with anybody, and I’m steady with my wife. I’m faithful to my wife.”

Jones, who told a bankruptcy judge last year that he is a self-employed fitness consultant, told Boyles that he was paid money by Haggard, who he says made frequent trips to Denver for sexual liaisons, that he has recorded voicemails and a letter from Haggard, and that he had also witnessed Haggard use methamphetamine.

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