Benny Hinn is standing firmly behind fellow televangelist Kenneth Copeland-and he's telling Christians to stop criticizing him.
Speaking at Kenneth Copeland Ministries' annual Southwest Believers' Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, Hinn delivered an impassioned message calling on believers to end public attacks against Christian leaders, singling out Copeland as someone who has unfairly become a target.
"When you attack this precious man of God sitting up there... you grieve the Lord," Hinn told the crowd while pointing directly at Copeland. "Because you disagree with something he says? It's none of your business. God will judge."
The remarks immediately turned heads given the long-running controversy surrounding Copeland, one of the most recognizable-and polarizing-figures in the prosperity gospel movement. Copeland has faced years of criticism over his lavish lifestyle, private jets, and prosperity teachings, with critics questioning his ministry's financial practices.
Hinn, who has also faced scrutiny over his own prosperity gospel teachings and fundraising appeals, urged Christians to stop using social media to attack ministers for attention.
"Stop attacking men and women who serve the Lord just so you can get followers and money," Hinn said. "Shame on you."
The veteran evangelist insisted that speaking against Christian leaders grieves the Holy Spirit and reminded the audience that God-not social media-is the ultimate judge.
"Don't attack one another. Don't attack men and women of God. Don't be the judge," Hinn declared. "There's only one Judge."
Earlier in his message, Hinn also criticized the growing amount of profanity in public life, saying he no longer enjoys watching television because of the language used by news presenters. He even singled out President Donald Trump, saying he doesn't like listening to the president because "he cusses."
The service wasn't without controversy. At one point, Hinn paused his sermon to rebuke parents after a baby cried during the meeting.
"I didn't come here to hear babies," he said before insisting that crying children be taken outside, adding that "distraction kills what God wants to do" and demanding reverence during the service.
Despite the criticism surrounding many of the conference speakers, Hinn ended his address by celebrating the freedom Christians enjoy in America and again pleaded with believers to stop publicly tearing down pastors and ministries.
"Yeah, the ministry is war," Hinn concluded. "But we will not give up."
