On February 1st Suzanne Hinn, wife of famous televangelist Benny Hinn, filed divorce papers in a southern California court. The documents cite irreconcilable differences as grounds for the legal action. News of the divorce has rocked Hinn`s worldwide following and has already been used as fodder for critics of the controversial healer`s ministry.
Don Price, senior advisor to Mr. Hinn, stated in a Press release that ``Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news. The couple has been married for more than 30 years, and 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."
Confidential sources have informed Christianity Today that the Hinn marriage has been in trouble for a long time and that the divorce proceedings were no shock to Benny Hinn. CT tried unsuccessfully to reach Benny Hinn and Mr. Price for comment.
Suzanne Hinn is being represented by Sorrell Trope, a legendary figure in divorce litigation. His previous clients include Cary Grant, Rod Steiger, Nicole Kidman and Elin Nordegren, wife of Tiger Woods. Mrs. Hinn was unavailable for comment. The couple was married in 1979 and have four children.
Lee Grady, contributing editor of Charisma magazine, told CT that the impact of divorce on Benny Hinn's ministry will depend on the nature of their marriage problems. Grady also said that the charismatic world ``has been shaken to its core in recent years by a number of high-profile leaders who haved divorced or had moral failures. Many charismatics I know are troubled by this, and they feel it is time for deep introspection, repentance and a rejection of the shallow, celebrity Christianity that has typified much of our movement."
SOURCE: Christianity Today
Reporting by James A. Beverley
Earlier Report: Benny Hinn 'Shocked' by Divorce Papers
After more than 30 years of marriage, faith healer Benny Hinn may be heading to divorce court.
Benny Hinn Ministries on Thursday confirmed that his wife, Suzanne Hinn, filed a petition for divorce in Orange County Superior Court on Feb. 1. She cited irreconcilable differences.
Though the couple separated on Jan. 26, according to court papers, the organization released a statement expressing shock.
"Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news without any previous notice," said Don Price, longtime senior advisor to Benny Hinn Ministries. "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."
Just months before the petition, world renowned and controversial preacher Benny Hinn had come out to the public to answer his critics for the first time.
For years, Hinn has been a subject of scrutiny by the media and recently the government for the miraculous healings he claims to perform and the lavish lifestyle he leads. He travels to cities across the globe conducting "miracle crusades" and services. Reports from each event indicate that dozens are miraculously healed from a physical ailment, though Hinn admitted to ABC News recently that he doesn't have medical verification of the healings.
He also told ABC he has no misgivings about the comfortable lifestyle - a private jet, fancy hotel stays, and a multimillion-dollar home - he leads.
"Look, you know there's this idea supposedly that we preachers are supposed to walk about with sandals and ride bicycles. That's nonsense," he said.
Hinn is currently under a Senate investigation for possible financial misconduct.
SOURCE: The Christian Post
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this is truly a crying shame, but God is able to even get glory out of this mess
This is a shame and prayers are indeed needed here as well as all over the body of Christ. You would think (respectfully) that people who are filled with the Holy Ghost and are as powerful as they claim, would not even being going here.
I'm disturbed with open eyes at the high profile leaders who teach others how to keep our marriages fresh and uptodate, is divorcing and going the opposite way. These are the rich and famous spiritualites falling away from their own teachings. The truth of the matter is simply this, "We need to stop turn around - look and see how we've been living in the world"...
If all of us would follow after Jesus as many do after fame, they would be going here period.
Who next? Maybe we should go back to basic holiness and get out of the personality/celebrity business. How many hight profile divorces/scandals we have in the last 4 to 5 years? Should husband (christian) spend more time on their marriage and relationship and less time trying to be everything to the church? Somebody talk back to me and help me understand? Where is the committment to relationship?
i am a pastors wife and i seperated from my husband because of the pressures of the ministry. I too was going to get a divorce, but after God finished whipping my behind for hurting the ministry, i ran back to reconcile with husband - things are still not great, but i'm glad it worked out.
glbates, you are so right i and apparently many others have not been and are not committed to the Lord. thats the bottom line.
I myself am a Pastor, and have a very successful ministry. I am not saying that to brag, but to let you bloggers know that, there are those of us in ministry who is embarrased by this and dont belive that it is of God, for us as sheperads to be in and out of marriage. I pray that the high profile christiany of today shuts down, and minster to the peple in your city and state as God leads, not as commerical, popular, ego-driven ministry calls for.
The truth of the matter is, the spouse must be the first ministry. There must be ample time to work on the marriage, day in and day out, open communication and being truthful. Regardless of how large or small one's "ministry" is ministry must start at home. So many fall "out of love" that it is unreal, what happen to unconditional love. I pray for Pastor Benny Hinn and for all of us in ministry, to remain focus on what is right and pleasing in the sight of the Lord and to truly love our spouse like the deserve to be loved in an unconditional manner and with great excited. Work the marriage and the marriage will work. Peace and God's favor
It does state in scripture...judge not who really are we as true believers we do not under any circumstance act as God or think we have this right. The bottom line is this ... in some cases one partner in the marriage does not ever do their part in order to keep the marriage together and may be forced to allow a divorce after doing all possible or one partner may just want out should this person be dammed to hell or heldback even if it was out of thier control....Also it is time for God to no longer be mocked by the bullshit hollywood life styles, false prophets, fake people we all see on TV. on the Christian stations... too much is not real and not many Christians have discernment... LETS PRAY FOR DISERNMENT and to bring more true men and women of God on TV. lETS EVEN OPEN IT UP TO SOME BELIEVERS CURRENTLY LIVING IN POVERTY.
So many people have been truly blessed by Benny Hinn's teaching ministry. He certainly has a wonderful way of opening up the scriptures. Our Bible Study Group has recently been using his 'The Blood Study Goide' and we have learned so much from this and also been filled with a desire to read tha Word more for ourselves.
Let us thank God for Benny Hinn's ability to call us to a deeper commitment to seeking God and spreading His Gospel message to a hurting world.
Now is the time for us to pray for both Benny and Suzanne. They both know how God would have them live their lives and if either or both have done otherwise pray that the Holy Ghost will bring conviction, repentance and rededication of their lives that glory will be given to our Wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Let us glory in tha Cross that Jesus bore and not in other people's failings. (we all have our own)
God is still in control no matter what the Hinn's do. Don't let Satan cause you to turn away from God. In the end times Satan is more likely to use the well-known "so-called" pastor than the unknown, truly Christian saint. Satan won't win in the end, but Satan's not stupid.
I would like to quote from what Bishop Fred A Jones,Sr wrote that "people who are filled with the Holy Ghost and are as powerful as they claim, would not even being going here.I'm disturbed with open eyes at the high profile leaders who teach others how to keep our marriages fresh and uptodate, is divorcing and going the opposite way. These are the rich and famous spiritualites falling away from their own teachings"
Indeed if you are a Bishop as you claim, then I feel sorry for your congregation you lead. Jesus gave a mandate to Peter to lead other disciples into preaching the gospel to the world. Instead peter went back to fishing. Jesus never critised/condemned Peter rather he encouraged him into fulfilling the greatest commission.
Jesus said in Matthew dont judge each other so that your heavenly father my not judge you. The list of scriptures is endless.
But i must say what you have written about Pr Benny is awful considering your position in Christ Jesus. In fact you would better repent. Please keep your differences out of the Gospel of jesus christ
Evangelist Benny Hinn is a humman being and that goes for his wife too, so in a time like this when matters are not going right for them. Its good that we pray for them and not to judge their actions. And remember that if it has heppened to them, it can happen to any one. Hinn is not Jesus Christ
I would like to quote from what Bishop Fred A Jones,Sr wrote that "people who are filled with the Holy Ghost and are as powerful as they claim, would not even being going here.I'm disturbed with open eyes at the high profile leaders who teach others how to keep our marriages fresh and uptodate, is divorcing and going the opposite way. These are the rich and famous spiritualites falling away from their own teachings"
Indeed if you are a Bishop as you claim, then I feel sorry for your congregation you lead. Jesus gave a mandate to Peter to lead other disciples into preaching the gospel to the world. Instead peter went back to fishing. Jesus never critised/condemned Peter rather he encouraged him into fulfilling the greatest commission.
Jesus said in Matthew dont judge each other so that your heavenly father my not judge you. The list of scriptures is endless.
But i must say what you have written about Pr Benny is awful considering your position in Christ Jesus. In fact you would better repent. Please keep your differences out of the Gospel of jesus christ
Notice how the press is enchanted with the pejorative terms "televangelist" and "faith healer?" These practitioners never seem to self-identify as such.
I don't do Hinn's style. I'm not even an evangelist, but I and people I know pray for sick people. I suppose if any of us became famous, by default we'd become known as "faith healers" because the pretentious and cynical need their narrow categories and limited vocabularies.
It's not the time to pass judgment upon fellow believers regardless of their ministry profile. The critics can say a lot against as much as the followers can in defense of Pastor Benny Hinn, but we are warned not to waste time in arguments that does not build up the body of Christ. Whatever the couple is going through right now is an indication that Satan is real and is on the look out every second, to kill, steal and destroy the people of God. Ptr. Benny Hinn is one of the many servants of the Lord who sincerely gives his life for the Gospel, thus, he is Satan's target just as every believer is. Whatever happened between him and his wife is certainly a shot from the enemy which they might have missed to identify and deal with at the first hit. Instead of giving the enemy reason to rejoice at what he's accomplished, people of God we should be praying for His intervention in the matter. We're not called to judge but to pray for one another. This incident affects the Church as a whole. As God's people let us consider who we are siding with by being careful of the things we say. Only God knows the heart of Ptr. Benny Hinn. The enemy is not him but Satan and his demons. Let's not give the devil a chance in our own hearts by condemning them. Why should we Christians aid Satan in dividing the body of Christ through this incident?
people of God we truely need the grace of God.we dont have to judge but its time to pray for each other.what is happening is not new.Paul in his epistles says at one time he was left alone.at times he could feel left.these situations and others need to be meditated upon.remember if the devil could attack Jesus what about HIS FOLLOWERS.
Be overcomes and God bless.
Lord have mercy.What is happenining to the body of Christ.If this is happening to heroes,what should we do?
Remember the 'journal of the unknown prophet' by Wendy Alec where she says Jesus told her that His champions have been targeted by the devil and his demons.
Some of these preachers go by the wayside because of the love of money. It's a fact.
Christians, it's wrong to judge the Christian who sins, but if a person says he's a Christian, yet proclaims a false gospel, he/she is really not a Christian. God tells us to beware of these people for they will lead many astray. We are to let others know, especially our children who are so easily persuaded to believe almost anything, that the person is one of many anti-Christs.
I was shocked and felt bad for Benny and Suzanne! No the Hinn's shound turn around and seek the God of the bible.It is so painful giving to His ministry all your month's check and walking out with the same disability! He even has the audacity of sending letters asking for more money! Did Jesus, Peter, Elijah ever ask for money? Now the world is watching and waiting for his next actions...
Before you make such hush comments regarding the Man of God please note the following: The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:6-9 "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
Before you make such hush comments regarding the Man of God please note the following: The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:6-9 "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
I notice that every article mentions 'congressional investigation' of finances...when I understood that they found no missdoings. Journalism is at a low in this country...print it now...apologize later?
Also, many a christian has had their spouse up and leave...and nothing they could do about it...and the body of christ has often not been as supportive and caring as they should have been. If my husband walked out the door...what could I do? Christian's are not exempt from others in their lives hurting them.
If there is miss doing on Pastor Benny's part...pray that he be restored then.
I pray the canabalism in the Body of Christ end
soon. If you are merciful...you will be shown mercy.
Truely sad news. I'm sad for Suzanne because she felt it was necessary to file for a divorce and I'm said for Benny because he couldn't 'fix' the marriage. A marriage needs constant work, and if one partly spends most of his time away on business or at the office, or when he's at home his mind is pre-occupied then the marriage isn't being given a fair chance. However, the work of the Kingdom is great, billion of souls needs saving, time is running out and our Father/Master is worthy of our undivided service. With such a commission it can be very difficult for our ministers to achieve a correct balance in life. Many male ministers might say that their ministeries are doing well, but I'd be more interested in hearing whether their wife's would agree that the ministry at home is doing equally well. In this day and age, could Benny and Suzanne's marriage survive? Should they have taken a few years out to mend their marriage? How many people would have died in the meantime if they'd taken time out? Who should have sacrified? - Benny the ministry of souls or Suzanne continuing to live a lonely life without her husband by her side? Which would you sacrifice? These aren't easy decisions - so I agree with other writers before me - we shouldn't judge them, but show compassion for great the pain and suffering they have and continue to experience night and day because of the state of their marriage.
Father, in Jesus' name I pray that satan will not have his way with Benny and Suzanne. But, I pray for your intervention in this matter, that you'll bring supernatural peace and harmony between them both. AMEN
i am saddened by this news;however as the church we are all to be praying for the men and women of god.they need our prayers its not for us to criticise.we should realize these are the last days .the devil knows his time is short and he is on a rampage.he is out to destroy families.people of god lets keep the evangilist&pastors in our prayers.benny continue to do that which god has called you to do.god is counting on you and so too are people.the joy of the lord be your strength.be blessed.
What a sad news. Like many have rightly said, we need to be careful not to judge them for their actions. Satan indeed is at work. Church, if we would give the marriage of our beloved man of God and his wife all the prayer-attention it deserves God can still step in and change things for the better. Let us pray for them and really do and it would amaze you what God would do to put the devil to shame. Yes, let us ignore the wild critisms from the world and do our utmost, as people of God, to move God by our prayers to step in and bring peace in spite of their human weaknesses. No matter, how bad things may turn, things can still change for the better if we the believers would really pray for them. Benny and Sussane, your marriage won't break in Jesus' Name!
All critics how is ur own marriages, do u not secretly deal wt ur wives. Pst. Benny's predicament does not show that God is a failure. All we should do is pray for them and that the devil does not use this medium to introduce iniquity into the pastor's life. Jesus remains the healer of marriages yesterday,today and forever.
if this is of the Lord, I would hate think what the devil is like
AM VERY SADDED ABOUT THEIR MARRIAGE CRISIS. BUT IONE THING I KNOW IS THAT GOD IS FAITHFUL NO MATTER WHAT.IF THE DECISION TO GET DIVORCE HAS COME AFTER MUCH PRAY AND CONSULTATION FROM GOD AND HIS SERVANT,THEN THEY CAN GO ON. BUT I BELIEVE MARRIAGE IS AS GOOD AS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE CHURCH.SO HAD IT BEEN THINGS WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN WALK WERE UNBEARABLE, WOULD THEY QUIT ASWELL? PLEASE RECONSIDER IF POSSIBLE. GOD BLESS.
We need to pray that Benny Hinn repents. I am not sure where his wife stands, she may have good reason to file for divorce. We need to pray for both of them.
It is such a sure turn off and so against God's ways to be begging people all the time for money. He even began having his staff to call and beg people to attend his meetings (after all, the more head count, there is more possibility for donations) His lifestyle is obviously flagrantly extravagant! No, Mr. Hinn, I don't think we always have to wonder where we will get our next meal but paying thousands of dollars at a time for meals etc. when some of your supporters are only living on a fixed income? Taking advantage of some of these sweet little old ladies so devoted and you just whup it up??? Because you are so SPECIAL???
God, please help us all to keep our priorities straight, love you first above all...while we look up to you to give us our daily bread and by every word that proceeds out of your mouth, God! We pray that we will not be a stumbling block but to be great witnesses for you. May we lay our lives down always for our brothers and sisters in love, Lord, like you have. If our motive is love, your love Heavenly Father, we will lead others to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. HALLELUJAH!
its a pity and a disgrace that people who are called by the name of Jesus like wolves at the smell of blood come to the kill.Just remember you will give account for every idle word you speak.and with what measure you give mercy youll recive mercy,physcian heal yourself,get the log out of your eye before you get the speck out of your brothers.FOR THE LORD IS GOOD AND HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER!
Please stop, think, and pray we all know what we have done but we do not know what we are going to do before life is over. This man is not God and the Bible is right he that has no sin cast the first stone. You that have Christ in your life it just the grace of GOD that you are not consumed we have sinned somewhere if it was but a thought we better pray and stop being GOD. I PRAY FOR YOU PASTOR BENNY AND FAMIY THAT GOD WOULD RESTORE EVERY THING ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY BE MUCH ENCOURAGED BOTH OF YOU AND WHAT EVER IS RIGHT I PRAY FOR YOU. GET YOUR MOUTH AND HEART OFF OF GODS PROPERTY LET GOD BE GOD.
I could not have lived with that man longer then one minute. He is not "special" or "called" he is a man. Just an ordinary man.He was in the right place at the right time. "Televanglists" will be a thing of the past. While we will never fully eradicate the overly hairspayed , armani suit televanglist, hopefully they will at large be exticnt. I love Jesus, and he loves the world! He is special ,
Benny Hinn may need to refrain from living off the hard-earned tithes of the millions of people around the world and follow Jesus's ways. No million dollar homes, money stacked in the Bank, private jet and luxurious lifestyle.
Rather than globetrotting First-Class with Protection on Healing Crusades, the hospitals, mental institions, brothels, prisons and poverty stricken areas in the world should be his playing ground. Benny Hinn cannot be found living and mingling with the common people in these areas, but makes himself readily accessible to the filthy rich and well to do in society. Not only does he preach well, he begs worldwide on TBN to give his Ministy more and money every year. Sadly, he uses God's name in vain, breaking one of God's 10 Commandments and gets away with it.
One would love to see Benny Hinn, minus his Bodyguards mingling with the grassroots in Haiti, Nigeria, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and North Korea. He need not fear for his life, preaching the Gospels and the Kingdom of God in these hotspots, if the Almighty God is with him.
all of you are missing God commandment to the woman in gen 3;16 your desire must be to your own husband and he shall rule over you[church] the word is not been preached in the church ephesian 5;22that the wifes must be in subjection to their own husban the principle is simple not taught and thats the problen the word said train a child in the way of the lord and when they grow they would not depart the church depart from preaching submission thats the antidought the husband is the head and not the woman speaking concerning the church and the word said for my people perish for lack of knowledge Jesus came to his own and they did not recieve him what could he do? if you read the word in ephesian you will understand it said husband love your wife as christ love the church and give himself that he might wash and cleanse her that he might present her unto himself a woman without spot are wrinkle now what can u do wen a woman does not want to be wash and cleanse by the word they are nothing else but desobedient wifes as the world tells them you dont have to submit to anyone but self and for sake the protocol of christ word they are called disobedient wifes Just like eve did what she want and adam gets the blame.
Let love be forever enthroned in your hearts. As members of the Body of Jesus Christ, we earnestly commend you to our Heavenly Father, asking Him that according to His abundant grace, He may bestow upon you both the Spirit of Grace, enabling you to establish a Christian home where the voice of prayer and praise shall be as sweet incense continually ascend unto Him who hath purchased you with His own precious blood.
The devil is a liar John10:10 The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.WE SUPPORT YOU IN PRAYER Ptr.Benny.
God is a healer and He will heal whom He desires to heal and bless whom He desire to bless. No matter what the comments are, we will never know the reason (s), God is in control and let Him be God......
In Jesus Name