Suzanne Harthern Hinn, the wife of healing evangelist Benny Hinn, has filed for divorce from the high-profile minister, citing irreconcilable differences.
Don Price, longtime senior adviser to Benny Hinn Ministries, said the divorce filing took Benny Hinn by surprise.
“Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news without any previous notice,” Price said. “The couple has been married for more than 30 years. 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.”
Suzanne Hinn filed the papers in Orange County Superior Court on Feb. 1.
Hinn is well known for leading large-scale healing crusades around the world, where his popular This Is Your Day program is broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network and other television outlets.
He was featured on the cover of Charisma in 1979 and 1993 and has written numerous books, including his life story, Good Morning, Holy Spirit. Several of his books have been published by Strang Communications, which also publishes Charisma.
The corporate headquarters for Benny Hinn Ministries and World Healing Center Church is in Grapevine, Texas, but the Hinn family has been living in Southern California to be near the ministry-owned television studio and church in Aliso Viejo, according to the ministry Web site.
Recently, Hinn was one of six charismatic ministers targeted in an ongoing investigation by Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, to determine whether they were complying with IRS rules for nonprofits.
Hinn has said external auditors ensure his compliance with IRS regulations but he has cooperated with Grassley’s office.
Married in 1979, the Hinns have three daughters and a son.
