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Such talk leaves doubters nervous. Theocrats often see themselves as beneficent. In Haggard's case, the concern is muted by his love of dialogue, his enjoyment of difference, his genuine friendliness. He likes living in a pluralistic society. All he asks is a chance to speak his piece freely.

"We need to hear multiple voices in order to adjust our attitudes about things that are not absolutes," Haggard says. "We shouldn't shy away from discussions on substantive issues. We are citizens. We need to think and to let others think. We need the best ideas. We are the church. We have a responsibility to 6 billion people."

Tim Stafford is a senior writer for CT.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Harper's Magazine's piece on Ted Haggard, Soldiers of Christ is available online.

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Paul Nussbaum article on Haggard is also available online.

Haggard's website has more info on his books, beliefs, and biography.

New Life Church offers mp3 sermons and more information for visitors.

The NAE website has more information about the organization, it's government affairs office, and other news.

The Association of Life-Giving Churches, New Life's church network, has the goal of seeing "churches, no matter their denomination, age or style of worship, promote and facilitate freedom of operation for the Holy Spirit."

CT interviewed Haggard after his election as president of NAE:

Ted Haggard: 'This Is Evangelicalism's Finest Hour' | The new president of the National Association of Evangelicals talks about the current state and future goals of the association and evangelicalism. (June 3, 2003)

Articles on our site by Haggard include:

Decalogue Debacle | What we can learn from a monument now locked in an Alabama closet. By Ted Haggard (April 12, 2004)

Life vs. Law | Your preaching can inspire graceful or grudging obedience. by Ted Haggard, from Leadership Journal, Fall 2002

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November 2005, Vol. 49, No. 11