FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wayne Besen, Executive Director
Phone: 917-691-5118
E-Mail: wbesen@truthwinsout.org
IHOP’s Downplaying of Link to Tyler Deaton is Implausible, Says TWO
Burlington, Vt. – Truth Wins Out expressed concern today that the International House of Prayer (IHOP) is whitewashing its close ties to cult leader Tyler Deaton, who is under suspicion for allegedly ordering a sect member to murder his wife, Bethany, who he feared was on the verge of revealing his cult’s secrets to her therapist. This included allegations of homosexual religious rituals, as well as the drugging and repeated sexual abuse of Bethany.
“We urge the national media to fully explore this shocking murder and the apparent cover-up of links to IHOP,” said Wayne Besen, Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director. “This so-called church preaches a radical form of religion that foments extremism. The outrageous ideas and practices of IHOP need to be further explored.”
On Nov. 15, Allen Hood, the president of IHOP, told the Kansas City Star that Deaton’s sect was completely separate from IHOP and operated under a “veil of secrecy.” However, the Star found a handout and website posting showing that as of Nov. 4 — five days after Bethany Deaton’s murder — Tyler Deaton was a “division coordinator” on the administrative team of IHOP friendship groups. The position is unpaid, according to another person who holds the same position and attended three recent meetings with Deaton. There are more than 80 friendship groups. Deaton was listed as one of six division coordinators.
In a statement released Friday, IHOP said Deaton’s name appeared in error — that a volunteer had mistakenly added his name to a list. The statement added that IHOP leadership didn’t even know Deaton. However, the Star reports that another person whose name appeared on the list of division coordinators said that she attended three recent meetin
gs at which Deaton participated.
The Star also mentioned an earlier internal memo attributed to IHOP leader Mike Bickle that expressed concern that Deaton came to IHOP “with the specific goal of infiltrating us and even taking over IHOPU,” which is the prayer center’s “university.”
“This smells like a cover-up and IHOP’s tortured explanation is implausible,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “It is clear that Deaton was well-known at the highest levels of this operation. Attempts to pretend otherwise appear dishonest and deceitful.”
IHOP is part of C. Peter Wagner’s New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), an End Times cult where the leaders fancy themselves prophets. NAR leaders, such as Lou Engle, have been linked to Uganda’s notorious “Kill the Gays” bill.
Truth Wins Out is a nonprofit organization that fights anti-LGBT extremism. TWO specializes in turning information into action by organizing, advocating and fighting for LGBT equality.
Update: Bruce Wilson of Talk2Action examines some of the bizarre scriptures used by IHOP.
Mike Bickle’s Sexually Charged “Bridal Mysticism” IHOP Teachings – see: http://www.talk2action.org/story/2012/11/21/94137/183
“The Divine kiss is a metaphor for intimacy with God… The kisses of His mouth speak of the release of the Word of God that tenderizes our hearts in the love of God. We are NOT to think of kissing Jesus on the mouth.” [emphasis in the original] – IHOP founder and head Mike Bickle
Wait for the facts before speculating about associations and their meanings.
Right now what is needed is not a focus on IHOP but on good prosecutorial action in the death. Otherwise you exploit a tragedy. Do you not think the young woman’s family has already been exploited multiple times over?
The facts will hold IHOP accountable better than speculation.
Melnelson ,you must not pay much attention to the trail of blood that follows Mike Bickle’s teachings. A good prosecution of this trial? Your nuts ,when the Grandview police found Bethany Deaton it did not look like a suicide (read the probate papers) a trash bag (loose over the head) a role of duct tape and some tylenol pm. The police in grandview have had a nice time since Bickle’s money moved in. I personally know as of Nov. 12, 2012 When an ignorant british security officer detained me for my facebook page ,it was there purposely as bait. When the police showed up ,they immediately made “james bond” un-cuff and release me ,but the officers were outspoken members of this dangerous cult. The teachings of false “intimacy” doctrine mixed with Bickle’s real-estate pyramid scam pilling mid 20′s kids on top of each other in a “religious community” So melnelson have you bothered to look into Mike Bickle’s past as the founder of Kansas city fellowship later turned kansas city prophets. His ignorant selfish twisting of the scripture has led to multiple deaths and dont ask for details “IT’S CALLED GOOGLE”