Two resign from ORU board of regents

Oral Roberts University Business Regent I.V. Hilliard, co-founder of New Light Christian Center Church in Texas; and Regent Emeritus Benny Hinn, who until recently was a business regent, have resigned from the school’s board of regents, according to a press release.

Hinn wished ORU success, according to the press release, and Hilliard said he remained committed to the school’s vision and new direction.

Hinn’s spending, along with that of other prominent televangelists, is being investigated by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Last month, two other business regents resigned: Creflo Dollar, the founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International in Georgia; and Jesse Duplantis, evangelist and founder of Jesse Duplantis Ministries in Louisiana. Dollar also is being investigated by Grassley.

ORU’s board of regents will meet Monday and Tuesday to look at “organizational activities” and to evaluate “strategic
opportunities,” according to the press release.

“Throughout this ongoing process, the board will seek out opportunities that advance the long-term financial viability of the university as well as ensure that the university will stay true to its founding vision,” the release said.

ORU spokesman Jeremy Burton did not immediately have additional information about the meeting.

The board has yet to make any announcements about whether it will accept an offer of $70 million from the family of Oklahoma City businessman Mart Green or an offer of help from Regent University, which was founded by Pat Robertson, a pioneer in Christian broadcasting.

• For more: Read the latest ORU stories, view the lawsuit and other documents and watch slide shows and video at Tulsa World.

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