I Had to Say Something (30 page)

I took a seat inside the arena before the service started. It felt more like a rock concert, with loud music coming from a band—yes, a band—on a circular stage right in the middle of the arena. Everything was a production, and it was very high tech. I felt like I was anywhere but at a religious service.

Toward the end of the service, or show, one of the pastors told the faithful, “We have been rocked with scandal, and we are overcoming it, but again what we have learned is that we cannot believe everything that comes out of one man's mouth. The only person you can truly believe is Jesus Christ.”

I met Pastor Rob Brendle in the foyer, where he told me, “Mike, I don't want to impose my religious beliefs on you, but I believe God used you to correct us, and I appreciate that.”

As impressive as New Life Church is, I felt that something
was missing. It's a big place, almost like a city within a city. If the gospel truly is the drawing card, why the big lavish productions?

Many have asked me if I felt that the people I met there were sincere with me. I believe they were.

Also in late January, the HBO documentary
Friends of God
debuted. Filmed and edited before the 2006 elections, the movie was written, directed, and produced by Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and it features Ted Haggard prominently. This was the show where Ted infamously proclaimed that “evangelicals have the best sex lives.” Pelosi complained that Ted's fall caused problems for her documentary, but I think it helped her documentary attract viewers.

Ted emerged from his reparative therapy—yes, that is what it's called—in early February 2007. When the process was completed (who knows how that's determined), Ted emerged “completely heterosexual,” according to church overseers.

Sensing how badly that bit of publicity went for Haggard, New Life Church announced shortly afterward that they had reached an agreement with the Haggards. The family agreed to move from Colorado and break all ties with New Life Church, all for an undisclosed sum of money. Ted also agreed never to talk again about what had happened between him and me, so unless he decides to break that agreement, we may never know what he was thinking or feeling.

 

Ever since my story broke, my life changed. This story had a much bigger impact than I, or anyone, could have imagined. My only goal was to expose Ted Haggard's hypocrisy. In the process, I showed that one person
can
make a difference. It just takes courage.

I can honestly tell you that I have no regrets. I did the best I could at that moment in time. Looking back, would I have done things differently? Perhaps, but I gain nothing by dwelling on the past, wondering “what if.”

It's odd to be called a liar one day and a hero the next. I am not angry at the people who have said nasty or hurtful things about me. My story may be hard for some people to comprehend. It's all right to disagree with other people and how they live, but please do not judge too harshly. As my story points out, we all have plenty of baggage in life—and we all deserve happiness and equal rights.

Thanks to my father for your continued love. Thanks also to my brothers, Russ and Terry—even though we all lead separate lives, you still have my love. Lloyd Peltzer and Bob Mosca, thank you for your unconditional friendship. John Kite and Brad Margritz, thank you for your friendship and hours of entertainment. Roger Wolf, you are a very gifted musician and a generous friend. Ken Greenfield and Mark Trubell, thank you for your incredible support and friendship. Heriberto Sanchez, thank you for your kind support and for diva Cosette. Thanks to David Leddick (author and entertainer), still one of the classiest people I know; Greg Olsen, a friend who always reminds me that giving is a blessing; and Rick and Ron, two dear friends who offered me all your love and support from afar.

Paula Woodward (KUSA investigative reporter), thank you for your professionalism and honesty. Peter Boyles (630 KHOW
Peter Boyles Show
), thank you for taking a chance and believing in me. Patricia Calhoun (
Westword
newspaper editor), thank you for allowing me to grace the cover of your paper. Greg Hollenback (630 KHOW producer), thank you for giving me the encouragement for my radio debut. Jennifer Finlay, thank you for all your research assistance. Joe Jervis (JoeMyGod.Blogspot), your generosity and support came at a time when I needed it the most. I cannot thank you enough.
Dan Savage (editor of
The Stranger
and writer of the “Savage Love” column), thank you for taking on my cause at an important time for me. Don and Annie Farber, you are a beautiful couple who believed in me from our very first meeting and continue to support my endeavors. Steve and Jim (
Big Voice: God or Merman?
), you are wonderful friends with a wonderful show. Marle Becker (OUT-FM, WBAI Radio), thank you for your outpouring of support. Jerry Wade, Ted Snowdon, and Johnny Galecki, you are what Broadway is all about. Thank you Dee (the cleaning lady at my apartment building) for speaking up for me when you were approached by the media, saying, “Mike always treats me with respect and brings me Snickers Bars.”

Special thanks to Dan Simon (my editor at Seven Stories Press) for having faith in me and my story, and to Amy Scholder, Ruth Weiner, Jon Gilbert, and Theresa Noll for your relentless work behind the scenes to make it all happen.

Sam Gallegos (my co-author), thank you for putting up with me for so many hours and for your tireless efforts on this book. I will be forever grateful.

Copyright © 2007 by Michael Forest Jones

 

 

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eISBN : 978-1-609-80041-3