{Posted at Bene Diction Blogs On August 21 2012]
Thanks to a heads up by commenters--thanks--I can mention that Todd Bentley, according to
a story on The Guardian newspaper's website, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom on the grounds that it would be against the public good in some way.
[
Note from Rick--I'm trying to update on the fly, so please check back on this post. Thanks.]
Bentley, Tweeting his indignation, is promising a press release later today.
Brag about being violent in ministry, as I posted last night, and see what will happen, eh Todd?
At work, but will try for quick updates as time permits today.
The hounds of the English press may well start to hunt now. "Nine day wonder" on the way?
FIRST UPDATE Todd, on his way to Norway right now, tweeted
this four hours ago:
Follow Following Unfollow Blocked Unblock Pending Cancel
Todd Bentley
?@IamToddBentley 5h @ianjmatt @samhailes I know I have been in the UK a 12 times previous and my record from when I was 13 is erased. It's not on record!
Oh really? It seems that I recall different facts. According to the relevant court documents
as reported in The Report newsmagazine, he was 14 when this happened.
If immigration authorities have this information in front of them, Bentley has been caught in a lie. He may no longer have a penalty, but lying about something that he was jailed for must raise some eyebrows.
He'd better not be trying to lie about how many "violent ministry incidents" there are. That would cause the immigrations authorities to wonder as well.
Did similar fudging cause him to be
banned from Australia?
I don't know, but that is a good guess.
2nd Update: A statement from Britain's Home Office regarding their decision to ban Bentley's entry, courtesy Christian.co.uk:
In a statement the Home Office said: “We can confirm that Mr Bentley has been excluded from the UK. The government makes no apologies for refusing people access to the UK if we believe they are not conducive to the public good. Coming here is a privilege that we refuse to extend to those who might seek to undermine our society.”
Bentley's first response, in which he complains of not having the courtesy of a hearing before the ban, is
there on their site as well. Hat tip as bloggers like to say.
3rd Update: The brief statement sent out by Bentley 45 minutes ago by e-mail to his supporters e-list:
Statement from Todd Bentley regarding the U.K.
Greetings Friends and Partners,
Todd and Jessa Bentley are currently travelling to Norway for the anticipated Miracles Signs & Wonders event. At this time, we are requesting your prayer and support as they continue to do what the Lord has called them to. Please read the below statement from Todd Bentley on the recent decision made by Home Secretary Theresa May to ban Todd from entering the UK.
I am deeply saddened by the recent decision of the UK government regarding my entry into the country. At this point, we are thankful to God for the support from our friends in the UK who truly love Jesus and embrace the supernatural, faith and healing. We know and believe that the UK has a great destiny and we are praying for the leaders and those in government. Please continue to stand with us in prayer regarding this decision and our return to the UK.
In Him,
Todd Bentley
Update: (BD here) Todd Bentley made this statement about being refused entry into the UK:
What about all the other celebrities, musicians and others with a more colorful past than me that are permitted into the UK for shows … Is this really about my past and fear of potential violence or Freedom of Religion and attack on Faith, God & Healing?”
The Home Office statement:
"We can confirm that Mr Bentley has been excluded from the UK. The government makes no apologies for refusing people access to the UK if we believe they are not conducive to the public good. Coming here is a privilege that we refuse to extend to those who might seek to undermine our society,"
The UK Border Agency Guidelines, p. 20, the er, not conducive to the public good part...
