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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
El Palace Barcelona: old-world luxury in the heart of the cityThe Week Recommends This historic hotel is set within a former Ritz outpost moments from the Passeig de Gràcia
-
The best history books to read in 2025The Week Recommends These fascinating deep-dives are perfect for history buffs
-
July 4 editorial cartoonsCartoons Friday’s political cartoons include the danger of talking politics at a family picnic, and disappearing Medicaid entitlements
