Christ First Forum

http://www.theledger.com/article/201102 ... /110219753


ORLANDO | Televangelist Benny Hinn is being sued by a Lake Mary publishing company for having an "inappropriate relationship" with fellow celebrity preacher Paula White, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

According to a report in Wednesday's Sentinel, Strang Communications Co. is suing Hinn over a morality clause violation in a contract.

The suit was filed Tuesday in state circuit court, the Sentinel said.

White is pastor of Without Walls International Church in Tampa and a satellite church, Without Walls Central Church in Lakeland.

The lawsuit alleges that Strang paid Hinn a $300,000 advance for his book, "Blood in the Sand," but in August 2010, Hinn acknowledged "his inappropriate relationship" with White and agreed to return the money, the Sentinel said. Strang is suing to recover the money.

The CEO of Strang Communications is former Lakeland resident Steve Strang.

In August, Hinn and White were photographed by National Enquirer emerging from a hotel in Rome, holding hands. Hinn's wife, Suzanne, had filed for divorce a few months earlier. Hinn and White denied publicly that they were anything more than friends.

The lawsuit also states that Hinn violated his contract by failing to show up at appearances to market the book, including appearances on "The 700 Club" TV show, the Sentinel reported.

Hinn, who lives in Los Angeles, is a flamboyant and controversial Pentecostal preacher who leads faith healing services and advocates a "prosperity gospel" message of health and wealth. He has made at least two appearances in Lakeland at the now-defunct Carpenter's Home Church.