Televangelist Benny Hinn Unable To Enter Britain
Photo: Benny HinnRuth 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
Labels: Benny Hinn, Ruth Gledhill
posted by Dr. Claude Mariottini @ 10/03/2009 10:51:00 AM
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