U.S. pastor on air in Australia despite inquiry

THE prosperity gospel of the televangelist Benny Hinn (pictured right - not to be confused with English comedian Benny Hill) is being aired on Channel Ten while the US Senate investigates the finances of his Texas-based church. The 55-year-old pastor of the Benny Hinn World Healing Centre Church, who conducts "faith healings" and prophesied the burning to death of all gays in America, refused to hand over financial documents to the inquiry, saying the church was accountable to God and would respond to the Senate by January 30. His refusal comes after the head of another investigated church, Creflo Dollar, said he would have to be subpoenaed before he testified before a committee. Dr Dollar's program also has an Australian presence, spruiking religious books, CDs and tapes through a program aired on Channel Nine and Prime.

SMH 2 Jan 2008