Haggard is asked to resign...and he does

Here is the press release from New Life Church (PDF)

November 4, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Life Church
Colorado Springs, Colorado
We, the Overseer Board of New Life Church, have concluded our deliberations
concerning the moral failings of Pastor Ted Haggard. Our investigation and Pastor Haggard’s
public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct.
The language of our church bylaws state that as Overseers we must decide in cases where
the Senior Pastor has “demonstrated immoral conduct” whether we must “remove the pastor
from his position or to discipline him in any way they deem necessary.”
In consultation with leading evangelicals and experts familiar with the type of behavior
Pastor Haggard has demonstrated, we have decided that the most positive and productive
direction for our church is his dismissal and removal. In addition, the Overseers will continue to
explore the depth of Pastor Haggard’s offense so that a plan of healing and restoration can begin.
Pastor Haggard and his wife have been informed of this decision. They have agreed as
well that he should be dismissed and that a new pastor for New Life Church should be selected
according to the rules of replacement in the bylaws.
That process will begin immediately in hopes that a new pastor can be confirmed by the
end of the year 2006. In the interim, Ross Parsley will function as the leader of the church with
full support of the Overseers.
A letter of explanation and apology by Pastor Haggard as well as a word of
encouragement from Gayle Haggard will be read in the 9:00 and 11:00 service of New Life
Church.