Pastor resigns over homosexuality

last updated 8 January 2015

Englewood, Colo.

The pastor of an evangelical megachurch in suburban Denver tearfully resigned last week, after acknowledging that he has had sexual relations with men. The Rev. Paul Barnes, founding pastor of the 2,100-member Grace Chapel, said in a videotaped message to parishioners that he has "struggled with homosexuality" since he was 5 years old. "I can't tell you the number of nights I have cried myself to sleep, begging God to take this away," he said. Barnes, 54, acknowledged his sexuality when church officials confronted him after getting an anonymous call. In November, the Rev. Ted Haggard stepped down as president of the National Association of Evangelicals after his longtime relationship with a male prostitute came to light.