The Associated Press is reporting this morning:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Nov 3, 2006 (AP)— The president of the National Association of Evangelicals, an outspoken opponent of gay marriage, has given up his post while a church panel investigates allegations he paid a man for sex.

The Rev. Ted Haggard resigned as president of the 30 million-member association Thursday after being accused of paying the man for monthly trysts over the past three years.

Haggard, a married father of five, denied the allegations, but also stepped aside as head of his 14,000-member New Life Church pending an investigation.

"I am voluntarily stepping aside from leadership so that the overseer process can be allowed to proceed with integrity," he said in a statement. "I hope to be able to discuss this matter in more detail at a later date. In the interim, I will seek both spiritual advice and guidance."

The acting senior pastor at New Life, Ross Parsley, told KKTV-TV of Colorado Springs that Haggard admitted that some of the accusations were true.

"I just know that there has been some admission of indiscretion, not admission to all of the material that has been discussed but there is an admission of some guilt," Parsley told the station.

I'm in shock, although after numerous evangelical leaders have admitted to sexual sin, I'm not surprised. Deeply saddened, but not surprised.

Some things to keep in mind. First and foremost, Haggard is innocent until proven guilty. Second, Christians need to being praying for Haggard, his family, his 14,000 member church, the National Association of Evangelicals, and Christians who may have their faith in the church shaken by these allegations.

Here are some thoughts on sexual allegations, as well as news links.

Some thoughts on not judging, but being a good juror

Some thoughts on the media cover these allegations

Some thoughts on the NAE's response to these allegations

ABC News coverage

Christianity Today

Rocky Mountain News coverage

National Association of Evangelicals site [As of 8:00 AM EST Friday, there is no mention of the allegations or resignation on the site.]