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  Canadian Revivalist Resigns from Ministry over "Unhealthy Relationship" with Woman

The Canadian Press

August 20, 2008

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jycwxzcULlSZpzvk_Z47HMo1x4mg

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Todd Bentley, the Canadian revivalist whose tactics drew protest from some fellow Pentecostals, has resigned from public ministry after acknowledging an "unhealthy relationship on an emotional level" with a female staff member.

The board of Bentley's Fresh Fire Ministries announced the resignation last Friday, saying the pastor has agreed to "receive counsel in his personal life." Days earlier, the board of directors had said that Bentley, 32, and his wife Shonnah had separated.

Bentley, tattooed on the fingers and neck, has drawn international attention for leading his raucous revival meeting in Lakeland, Fla. It has continued for more than three months.

He claims to have performed mass healings.

But opponents noted that his approach has sometimes been violent. In a YouTube video clip circulated by critics, Bentley knees a supposed terminal stomach cancer patient in the abdomen saying God told him to.

Critics say Bentley rarely opens a Bible or sermonizes about Jesus Christ. They worry he is too little about conversion, too heavy on his own hype and too focused on self-proclaimed miracles.

The board of Fresh Fires Ministries, based in Abbotsford, said its work would continue without Bentley.

 
 

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