Dobson Won't Counsel Haggard

Focus On The Family Leader Says He Doesn't Have Enough Time To Devote

KRDO News, Colorado/November 8, 2006
By Baaron Pittenger

Focus on the Family leader James Dobson announces he will not participate in the counseling and restoration of former New Life Church Pastor Ted Haggard. Dobson released the following statement regarding his decision:

"It is with great regret -- and after much prayer and discussion with friends and family -- that I have had to reconsider my involvement in the panel overseeing Ted's restoration. Emotionally and spiritually, I wanted to be of help -- but the reality is I don't have the time to devote to such a critical responsibility. Ted and his family will be better served by someone whose energies and attention are not tugged on in quite so many directions.

All of us at Focus on the Family will continue to pray for Ted and Gayle and their children. I certainly hope to speak with him -- friend to friend -- as he moves forward. And I believe if he and his loved ones follow the counsel of Godly mentors and cooperate with the therapeutic process, their best days are ahead."