Famous Evangelist Bites The Dust

I'm lovin' it. Religious hypocrisy in action: Haggard steps down amid gay affair inquiry.

Ted Haggard, one of the most prominent evangelical pastors in the nation, resigned today as president of the National Association of Evangelicals amid allegations that he carried on a three-year sexual relationship with a male prostitute.

Haggard, founder of the 14,000-member New Life Church, has denied the accusations but said in a statement released by the church today that he could "not continue to minister under the cloud created by accusations made on Denver talk radio this morning."

He has placed himself on administrative leave pending investigation, spiritual counsel and a decision by the church's board of overseers, the church's legal counsel said. Haggard founded the church in 1985.

Here's the office Ted Haggard site. He's also listed on Time's 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America.

You may recall his conversation with Richard Dawkins. Supposedly, he has a weekly conference call with George Bush.