Check out http://tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com/ to see a pdf version of both Ted and Gayle Haggard’s letters to their church. I thought they were both exceptionally well written. Unlike many “apologies”, Ted actually takes ownership and doesn’t defend anything he’s done or get too focused on the parts in the media that might not be true. He also makes it clear that he’s not going to be coming back to New Life church as a pastor. That will help the followers not engage in the fantasy that he’ll come back and everything will go back to the way it was. Gayle Haggard’s letter is poignant as well. They both list prayers that we ought to be willing to undertake.
Its unfortunate but true that in the light of Truth, we see and grieve the destructive nature of our sins. Now if only we would remember that agony before we deceive ourselves the next time…I guess that is some of the difference between repentence and mere confession. If only I could remember!
Musings on Faith and Psychology 