Benny Hinn’s Letter About His Divorce

Several days ago, newspapers around the world reported that evangelist Benny Hinn’s wife had filled for divorce. At that time, the newspapers did give give a reason for the divorce.

Benny Hinn has written a letter to his supporters in which he seeks to provide an explanation for his wife’s decision to terminate their marriage. In that letter Benny Hinn speaks of his “broken heart” and how he was informed about his wife’s decision.

The following is an excerpt from the letter:

I come to you with a broken heart.

You may have heard by now that my wife, Suzanne, whom I love very much and always will, filed for divorce on February 1. Even though Suzanne has been under great stress, the children and I never expected this to happen.

Divorce was the last thing on my mind and theirs.

It was a total shock when her lawyer called me the morning of February 17 to inform me that she had filed 16 days before. Suzanne never gave the family even a hint that this was on her mind. Even to this moment, the children and I don’t know why she did it.

Read the letter in its entirety here.

HT: Peter Kirk


Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

Tag: Benny Hinn

Benny Hinn’s Wife Files for Divorce

The Washington Post is reporting that the wife of televangelist Benny Hinn has filed for divorce. The following is an excerpt from the article published by The Washington Post:

ORANGE, Calif. -- The wife of televangelist Benny Hinn has filed for divorce from the high-profile pastor, whose reputation as an advocate of prosperity gospel has attracted millions of followers and criticism from lawmakers and watchdog groups over his lavish lifestyle.

Suzanne Hinn filed the papers in Orange County Superior Court on Feb. 1, citing irreconcilable differences, after more than 30 years of marriage. The papers note the two separated on Jan. 26 and that Hinn has been living in Dana Point, a wealthy coastal community in southern Orange County.

"Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news without any previous notice," Benny Hinn Ministries said Thursday in a statement. "Although Pastor Hinn has faithfully endeavored to bring healing to their relationship, those efforts failed and were met with the petition for divorce that was filed without notice."

Read the article in its entirety here.

The news report does not provide a reason for the divorce. The divorce of Benny Hinn is very sad because thousands of people have supported his ministry over the years. Benny Hinn’s divorce and the embarrassing situation caused by Ted Haggard in 2006 bring a lot of shame to Christianity and to the cause of Christ around the world.

This is a sad time for the church. As someone once said, "at times, Christ’s worse enemies are his own friends."

UPDATE:

Read Benny Hinn’s letter about his divorce here.

Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

Tag: Benny Hinn

Televangelist Benny Hinn Unable To Enter Britain

Photo: Benny Hinn

Ruth Gledhill, the Religion Correspondent for the Times is reporting that British authorities have not allowed televangelist Benny Hinn to enter the UK to do evangelistic work. According to Gledhill, Benny Hinn took his private jet back to Paris, then tried to enter Britain a second time, and again entrance was denied to him, and Benny Hinn had to return to France. The following is an excerpt from Gledhill’s blog:

The problem is that since he came last year, and many years previously, the Home Office has changed the rules on visiting ministers of religion. He has fallen foul of tier five of the new points-based tier system for all visitors to Britain. It came into effect on 27 November 2008, but for him there was a turning back. No amount of prayers can get the UK Border Agency to change its mind when someone doesn't have the right papers. He or a member of his staff should have read these rules before sending his private jet over here at great expense, and encouraging thousands of UK Pentecostals to book expensive weekend breaks in London hotels, all to no avail.

The new rules form part of the biggest overhaul to British immigration in 40 years. A points system was introduced, with one intention of combating extremism and prevent preachers of hate coming in. Tier Five, however, which has caught Benny Hinn, was introduced to stop ministers coming in as visitors and then making a quick buck by speaking at events or 'working' while they are here.

Ministers of all faiths now need a letter of sponsorship if they are to do religious work in Britain, even when, as at Excel, the event is free.

Well, sort of free. Last night, one attendee told me, another pastor standing by took over and emotive pleas for donations of up to £1,000, along with the donors' names, addresses, phone numbers and all other details that would enable them to be contacted again. 'I felt it was very manipulative,' my source said.

To me, it is sad that Benny Hinn was not allowed to enter the UK to do evangelistic work there. But to everyone who knows Benny Hinn, the way he works, and the many criticisms he has received over the years because of his antics, the news of the UK’s denial is understandable. At times, instead of being an asset to the cause of Christ, someone like Benny Hinn can be an embarrassment to Christianity.

As many people know, Benny Hinn’s ministry is focused on miracles. But as Ruth Gledhill

said, “God or no God, this is one miracle that isn't going to happen.”

Claude Mariottini

Professor of Old Testament

Northern Baptist Seminary

Tags: Benny Hinn, Ruth Gledhill