Home Office Bans Todd Bentley from UK

Posted by Simon Cross  ·  30 visitor comments

BREAKING: The Home Office has confirmed that the government has banned Todd Bentley from entering the UK. 

The news has forced the controversial preacher and healing evangelist to cancel his tour of the UK, which was scheduled to begin in nine days time.

Controversial preacher Todd Bentley has been banned from entering the UK by the Home Office

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.”

Writing on Facebook, Mr Bentley accused the government of making a decision based on a "false perception" from the internet and media. "The UK Government never asked our side of the story or gave any process for discussion. Disappointing but God wins!"

In a later official statement, Mr Bentley said: "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."

Earlier this month, Malcolm Wicks, MP for Croydon North began lobbying the government to ban Bentley from visiting the British Isles.

The tattooed and pierced Canadian preacher, who has a chequered history, has previously claimed God told him to kick and punch people in order to rid them of illnesses including cancer.

Bentley, who was a key part of the ‘Lakeland Revival’ which was widely publicised in the UK, and sparked similar revival and healing meetings in Dudley and other parts of the UK, had to step down from his position when it emerged that he was romantically involved with an aide.

He later left his wife and got married to the young woman concerned, before entering into a public period of ‘discipline’ presided over by senior American church leaders.

But Bentley, who claims to have raised more than 20 people from the dead, says that he no longer uses violence in healing ministry.

And although critics point to his conviction as an adolescent for a sex attack on a younger boy, former drug user Bentley says he has repented of past sins, and is keen to visit the UK again.

However, videos remain online which show him making seemingly jocular remarks about violence in the context of healing ministry.

In one YouTube clip he said: ‘And I’m thinking  why is the power of God not moving? And He said, “Because you haven’t kicked that woman in the face.”

‘And there is this older lady worshipping right in front of the platform and the Holy Spirit spoke to me. The gift of faith comes on me. He said, “Kick her in the face with your biker boot.” I inched closer  and I went bam! And just as my boot made contact with her nose, she fell under the power of God.’

Todd Bentley’s last visit to the UK was in December 2011, when he ministered in Cwmbran, South Wales, again causing concern from the local Member of Parliament.

Conservative David Davies said: “I go to church and respect Christian beliefs, but I am concerned that some of the claims made by Mr Bentley are far fetched and should be treated cautiously.”

During his Cwmbran visit Bentley told his congregation: “Everywhere we go we get testimony from someone who has been close to death, had stage four cancer or some incurable terminal condition and received a miracle.

“There would be nights where 30 people would get out of wheelchairs, incredible miracles, thousands of people would be saved every day.

“I prayed for 139 deaf mutes and we had 139 deaf and mute people hear and speak for the first time.

“Some people say miracles are not possible but for me it’s impossible that someone is not healed.”

And when asked by a twitter user what he thought about media coverage of his ‘violence’ – he said: "This story is truly a huge media sensation. It is so wrong and the furthest thing from who we are and how we minister. Sad!"

21st August

August 21st, 2012 - Posted & Written by Simon Cross

Thumbs Down 0
Thumbs Up 0

Did you find this article useful?

30 Visitor Comments

Join in the Eden community and comment on this article

Ian S

Ian S

Posts: 9

It's unclear from the reports whether he has just fallen foul of immigration rules relating to foreign workers, or he has been barred from the UK as an undesirable. But in any event, I'm delighted. Todd leads many people astray with his false teaching and emotional manipulation - Britain is better off without him.

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 2:58PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

hawk

hawk

Posts: 3

God can use anybody,if he is doing Gods work and people are coming to the Lord and being healed who wil gain most from him not coming to uk? it wont be God. Is it right for christians to judge him because of his past. We areall sinners saved by the grace of God

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 3:55PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Ian S

Ian S

Posts: 9

Hawk, Todd Bentley is not doing God's work. People are not coming to the Lord through him, nor are they being healed. Did you see the Derren Brown show about how preachers trick people? Well that's what Todd does, and it's not of God.

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 4:25PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

TAJ4

TAJ4

Posts: 3

You seem to speak with some authority on the matter, but Hawk is right in saying that we are all sinners saved by grace. I only know what I've seen and heard about the man. I dislike his appearance and his style, but who am I to say that God isn't using him? There appears to be plenty of testimony to the contrary. Who are all these experts on discernment? The Church is full of well meaning but opinionated and judgemental christians. We may get a few surprises in Heaven!

Saturday, 25th August 2012 at 5:48PM

0Thumbs Down
0Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Isleander

Isleander

Posts: 4

Discernment! Discernment! Discernment! Why are people so gullible! Wake up!

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 8:44PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

TAJ4

TAJ4

Posts: 3

This is sad. Todd Bentley is hardly a hate preacher. We are becoming a very intollerant society.

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 4:17PM

Reply to this comment

1 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Isleander

Isleander

Posts: 4

Discernment! Discernment! Discernment! Wake up! If we are not aware of Satans' devices we will be deceived like Mr. Bentley is.

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 8:47PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Lynda Powers

Lynda Powers

Posts: 1

I'll never understand how an evangelist divorces after committing adultary and then re-marries and continues to spout their faith. How could anyone possibly trust a liar and a deceiver who testifies they are born again? Not me

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 6:26PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Isleander

Isleander

Posts: 4

Praise the Lord that the deceiver won't be coming here this year!

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 8:40PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

David McAllister

David McAllister

Posts: 3

Thank Good

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 11:53PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

daisy

daisy

Posts: 2

Father, pour out your grace to us Lord- i ask for peace. peace on our minds, and peace in our hearts- Father, that we would give up our right to understand- and let the peace that makes no sense- but comes from you- the peace that surpasses all understanding- let it wash over us Father. where we have been weary and cautious about this man- yeah thats good to be like that- but Jesus, we dont want to be hardhearted and shun this guys- give us a heart to see Him like you see him, and where the is a need Father- give us insight and show us what we can pray for. thankyou God that you see us, you know us and you love us- and you forgive. oh Papa. forgive me (and anyone else who wants to pray this as well) for the times that i place expectations on people that dont belong there Lord- Father, i dont wanna place expectations on others and i dont wanna confine people to a small area- you are out of this world! you are out of the box! and we need to live like we are too- because we carry you. we cant be contained in small areas- because your heart is huge and your love is huge- and you cant be contained. Lord, refresh our hearts and show us just how huge you are for us today! the bigggest we've seen you- youre even bigger than that! haha. Lord, forgive us when we limit your spirit and we put you in a confined space. Father, youre spilling out- and i want to be onboard with what you are saying and doing- even when it makes no flipping sense to me haha. you are awesome and you are good and i just want to love you more. oh man, i feel so refreshed right now! hahaha... honestly, He hasnt come to condemn anybody- He's come to love and He has come to serve. isnt that crazy?! He wants to serve us. oh man. open up your heart to Him today and let Him speak. let Him tell you how He sees you :) oh man. haha. this might sound weird to some people- and you might even think im weird haha- but i honestly dont mind. i feel secure enough in Him right now, knowing that He loves me and He sees me- and everything ive shared here on this little message board is Him prompted and i stand by that- and i also stand by the truth that He is so good, so so good and HIs heart is for us- His children. if you're feeling discouraged today- please read this over yourself and keep reading it until your heart is singing it hahha: You are a masterpiece. You are a work of art. You're not here by chance and you're certainly not a mistake- You were purposed for here, and You were born with greatness in your heart. You have an incredible inheritance in Jesus Christ and man oh man if you saw the way He looked at you with His love-sick puppy eyes- and the way He so dotes over you- Your mind would be double-boggled and your heart would ooze. and you know what else- you can totally and completely have that! ask Him! ask Him to show you what He sees. ask Him to give you His heart for yourself- to see yourself the way He sees you. im going to do that too! haha.. honestly, You are so precious to Him and His heart is sooooo for you. You are His absolute favorite! and You are fearfully and WONDERFULLY made! psalm 139 is a favorite of mine and its so for you!!! oh man. Papa. His love is big and strong and FOR YOU! oh my goodness. to each of you that's written on here: Ian S, Malcolm Halliday, Gideonagain, Isleander, hawk, TAJ4, Lynda Powers, Peter Ratcliff and David McAllister- so much love for you guys right now. haha i know i dont know who you all are- but i know that my God does, and i know that i want a heart for whatever He has a heart for- so right now extending love to you all, wherever you're at and whatever you're doing. oh. love is not selfish and it doesnt expect anything back haha- im a little nervous to post this because of how some people might react, especially if this is really different for them- but im silencing that voice because it feels good in my heart to send this. it feels like the right thing to do :) and i thank Jesus for that. oh yeyaaah :D bless you alll! have the best day and week, and seek out His heart- in a deeper way! seek out His thoughts after you- afterall, He has lots of em- more than every hair on your head and every rain of sand on every beach. thats crazyyyy haha, thats God. oh so good! k, sweet. seeya! :D

Wednesday, 22nd August 2012 at 3:40PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Surfinglife

Surfinglife

Posts: 1

Not good news especially as we need those who ruffle modern day pharisees and stir up society in seeing God's power displayed. Jesus who displayed the right grace when he turned to the lady caught in adultery and asked where her accusers were who were going to stone her. It's too easy to judge!

Wednesday, 22nd August 2012 at 3:53PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Ian S

Ian S

Posts: 9

Surfinglife, I don't believe God's power is displayed through Todd. Todd just uses emotional manipulation and mind tricks to make people think they are healed. There's absolutely no credible evidence of any miracles. Whilst we're not to judge (which refers to judging someone's standing before God), both Jesus and Paul warn us against deceivers and false teachers. We should be praying that Todd comes to a place of repentance, not putting him on a platform to lead people astray.

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Ian S

Ian S

Posts: 9

Daisy, I do pray that God will bring Todd to a place of repentance and change. BUT, until that happens, Todd is not fit to be in ministry. That's nothing to do with me, it's what God says. Todd is one of the false teachers that the Bible warns us about and tells us not to tolerate. Yes, God loves Todd Bentley, but God also HATES the lies and heresy that come out of Todd's mouth every time he speaks, and God does not want people to be corrupted by it. And the question I have for you is why are you not concerned about the deception that Todd brings into the church? If you love God as much as you say you do, you will love His truth and will be sickened by Todd's lies.

Wednesday, 22nd August 2012 at 7:14PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

peter Churcher

peter Churcher

Posts: 1

It is possible that God has given him the gift of healing, I do not know whether this is true or not as there are reports saying both they were healed and others saying they weren't. However, it is possible that a person misuses a gift, such a people using tongues for personal gain that Paul warns of. It seems that if he was given a gift that he is misusing it and I for one am glad that he has been denied entry.

Saturday, 25th August 2012 at 4:30PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Brother  Amartey

Brother Amartey

Posts: 1

Todd needs to get deliverance before everything else.

Wednesday, 19th September 2012 at 3:06AM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Dawn Robertson

Dawn Robertson

Posts: 1

http://www.challies.com/articles/a-lesson-from-the-lakeland-revival?utm_source=feedblitz

Monday, 24th September 2012 at 5:37PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Malcolm Halliday

Malcolm Halliday

Posts: 1

Thank Goodness. Why anyone would think this man with his track record could be useful for the purposes of the Kingdom is beyond me.

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
2 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Gideonagain

Gideonagain

Posts: 1

God does not just work through people we approve of. He doesn't even restrict Himself to working through 'famous' people. If God is in it, praise Him (not the servant He is using).

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 3:53PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Isleander

Isleander

Posts: 4

Todd bentley is deceived and a deceiver.. He is not a Christian - wake up!

Tuesday, 21st August 2012 at 8:42PM

0Thumbs Down
0Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Ian S

Ian S

Posts: 9

Gideonagain, God is not working through Todd Bentley, I'd actually suggest that the enemy is. Todd is a wolf amongst the sheep, one of the false teachers that the Bible tells us to guard against.

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

0Thumbs Down
0Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Peter Ratcliff

Peter Ratcliff

Posts: 3

God has given the church pastors and teachers and we do not need to go chasing after these celebrity preachers, some of whom are clearly just making money out of gullible people. How would you feel if you were a pastor and your people went off after people like this? It is as if they are saying that you are not what God has given them. It is as if they say that the preaching of Jesus Christ is not enough for them. IF your church really is not providing you with spiritual food then go to a Bible believing church that is preaching the truth and that really does love the Lord, but chasing after bizarre crude acts like Bentley will only do you harm. Don't even go as a curiosity as it is harmful to sit under false teachers. Remember that we live by faith not by sight and that faith is in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. The secret is in no special preacher but in being truly satisfied and thankful for the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. His blood washes away our sins and his righteousness is counted to us by grace through faith Hallelujah!

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Peter Ratcliff

Peter Ratcliff

Posts: 3

Let us be sure that if you trust the Lord Jesus Christ and are sick and stay sick then it really is for the best and that you have to keep on knowing that the best is to come and that you are a trophy of grace. Your lack of healing has nothing to do with a lack of faith. Keep to the simple Gospel at a good local church and live to the glory of God knowing that you have all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Do not be blown around with every wind of doctrine. Read Ephesians and rejoice in the Lord!

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
2 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

daisy

daisy

Posts: 2

whoaaaaaa. these comments are nuts! honestly, why not pray for this feller instead of chucking stones at him- cos honestly, how much better than him are we? haha we're all eggs, we all make crap decisions and sometimes we go a bit overboard. yeah he screwed up in some areas- but holey moley if Jesus can extend grace and love and forgive him- how much more do we need to forgive. i'm gutted about all the news around todd, yeah, but that's his past. when someone walks back to Jesus and surrenders areas of their lives/hearts etc- there's a part we need to play as well- and that's extending grace and trusting that God can redeem and make whole and make new and FIX all over again. hahaha oh my goodness, Gods grace is good. Gods grace is enough and i'm gonna pray for Todd. oh my goodness! Jesus, oh Jesus. wherever we go in our minds and hearts that don't align with you and your spirit- Lord Jesus i ask that you would lead us to a place of speaking, believing and seeing with your eyes and heart. Jesus, when we don't understand what's going on around us- or even when things happen that we're not used to/ things that we are just so unsure of- like this todd stuff- father, where we have made our minds up already and we have hardened our hearts to this man- where we have pushed away instead of embraced- father i ask that you would drench the situation, and i ask that you would begin a work in our hearts- that we would see, feel and taste with your vision and with your heart in it all. Papa, where we have been quick to point a finger- father, help us be the first to extend love and extend grace and help us to sew into YOUR vision for all of this. to pour into what YOU are saying about all of this right now. that we would get onboard with YOUR heart. that we would completely blot out our right to understand- that our head-knowledge and understanding would shift to the side- and that we would take on the HEART understanding in all of this.

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Atty

Atty

Posts: 3

I agree ,What would Jesus do ?,What would we say about some of Jesus Disciples i.e Paul before he was saved he persecuted Christians ,Matthew was a tax Collector

Thursday, 23rd August 2012 at 8:27PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
1 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Ian S

Ian S

Posts: 9

Atty, I'm not worried about what Todd did before he became a Christian. I am concerned about what Todd has done as a Christian. His "ministry" has been characterised by lies, deception, false teaching, false prophecy,financial exploitation, and emotional manipulation of the worse possible kind. You can add in drunkenness, adultery, and divorce as well. My Bible says someone who behaves that is not permitted to be a preacher - what about yours?

Saturday, 25th August 2012 at 2:27PM

0Thumbs Down
0Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

David McAllister

David McAllister

Posts: 3

Thank God. Sadly It totally boggles the mind that people really think God works through men like this.

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Atty

Atty

Posts: 3

What is his Crime,Would people from years ago have had a problem with SmithWrigglesworth.We all sin on a daily basis

Wednesday, 21st February 2018 at 3:35PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Ian S

Ian S

Posts: 9

Atty, yes, we all sin, but public ministry in the church is a privileged position to which high standards apply, in terms of character and theology. Todd falls far short in both these areas.

Saturday, 25th August 2012 at 2:31PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Posts: 1

Todd Bently is Demonic stay away from this nut chase! He is a deceiver sent by The Devil to trip up people as to what is truly salvation. Get it, got it, good!

Saturday, 6th May 2023 at 9:21PM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Leave A Comment

Leave your comments or suggestions in regards to this article.

Please login to post a comment.
Most Popular Articles
Prayer Books Every Christian Should Read
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Lent Bible Study Guides 2024
Posted on Monday 15th of January
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
When is Easter 2024?
Posted on Friday 5th of January
Christian Christmas Cards
Posted on Friday 20th of October
Prayer Books Every Christian Should Read
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Lent Bible Study Guides 2024
Posted on Monday 15th of January
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
When is Easter 2024?
Posted on Friday 5th of January
Christian Christmas Cards
Posted on Friday 20th of October
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Advent Study Guides
Posted on Monday 16th of October
Where to Watch the New C.S. Lewis Film
Posted on Thursday 12th of May
Free Christian Resources for Children
Posted on Friday 1st of May
The Eden Bible Guide series
Posted on Monday 17th of February
Recent Article Comments

Nia Wright has made 0 posts.

34 useful comments

A Reader has made 70 posts.

28 useful comments

Les Ellison has made 44 posts.

11 useful comments

James Warwood has made 4 posts.

9 useful comments

Lyn Myers has made 5 posts.

8 useful comments

Last updated: 2 days21 hrs32 mins ago