Televangelist Benny Hinn’s wife has filed for divorce

ORANGE, CALIFORNIA — Benny Hinn may claim to have the “anointing” power to heal the sick, but the controversial Israeli-American televangelist apparently can’t heal his marriage the same way. His wife of 30 years, the former Suzanne Harthern, initiated a divorce filing on February 1, according to a press statement released yesterday from Benny Hinn Ministries.

According to papers filed with Orange County Superior Court, the Hinns separated on January 26. Harthern cited irreconcilable differences, according to CBS.

Evidently, her divorce action came as a surprise to Hinn’s camp. “Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news without any previous notice,” the Ministries’ statement read. “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.”

Hinn and Halthern married in August 1979 and have five children. Since the separation, Hinn has reportedly been living in Dana Point, a rich coastal community in the southern part of Orange County.

Benny Hinn, 57, was born in Jaffa, Israel; he grew up in Jaffa and later Toronto. He founded the Orlando Christian Center in 1983 and soon began holding faith-healing services. Hinn is an advocate for the “prosperity gospel”, which teaches that God rewards His most devout followers with material wealth. Since 1990, he has hosted the television show This Is Your Day.