More allegations against the Roberts

[restored2x]

He has stepped down -

http://www.kotv.com/news/topstory/?id=138125

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Embattled Oral Roberts University president Richard Roberts has asked the school's board of regents for a temporary leave of absence, three weeks after a lawsuit accused his family of lavish spending at donors' expense and illegal involvement in a local political campaign.

On Wednesday, Roberts, 58, said he would continue his role as chairman and CEO of Oral Roberts Ministries.

"I don't know how long this leave of absence will last, but I fully trust the members of the Board of Regents," Roberts said in a statement released by the university. "I pray and believe that in God's timing, and when the Board feels that it is appropriate, I will be back at my post as president."

The October 2 lawsuit was filed by three former ORU professors who said they were wrongfully dismissed and alleges the spending at donors' expense, including numerous home remodels and a senior trip to the Bahamas for one daughter on the ministry's dime.

It also accused Roberts of illegal involvement in a local political campaign, which would violate the university's nonprofit status.

To read the lawsuit against Roberts, click here.

Statement issued by Dr. Richard Roberts, Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The last 3 weeks have taken a serious toll on me and my family. The untrue allegations have struck a terrible blow in my heart. The untrue allegations of sexual misconduct by my wife have hurt the most. It has broken her heart and the hearts of my children that such untrue allegations could be made. Lindsay and my children have sustained heavy damage these last weeks. God is very interested in the family unit and so am I.

The plaintiffs have said "We don't know if any of these allegations are true, but they are so defaming that the Roberts won't survive." We Roberts have a strong faith in God and in what is right. We will do what is right and trust the Lord.

Today, I have asked the Board of Regents of Oral Roberts University to grant me a temporary leave of absence until such time as these matters can be resolved. I have prayed about it, and feel that it is in the best interest of my family and the University.

I have a tremendous love for the students and alumni of ORU—they are precious to God. They came here to get a quality education and to learn to hear the Voice of God. That's happening daily. Even today, other young people around the world are searching for the right college to attend. I pray that they will consider ORU. This university is academically sound, spiritually alive and physically disciplined. I don't know how long this leave of absence will last, but I fully trust the members of the Board of Regents. They are great men and women who have a deep love for this university and for me and my family. I pray and believe that in God's timing, and when the Board feels that it is appropriate, I will be back at my post as President.

Meanwhile, I will give myself afresh and anew to my family, and to prayer and the Word of God. I shall continue my role as Chairman and CEO of the Oral Roberts Ministries. I shall continue on television as I have a burning passion for the lost, the sick and the hurting of this world. I shall continue preaching and teaching God's Word and drawing people to Christ our Savior. I shall continue to write letters and books and minister to the needs of people for I have a passion for souls. Thank you for all your prayers and support; it means a great deal to me and my family.

[breitee]

Oh BOO HOO!

[Conan71]

Well he only stepped down as head of the university.  At least he has his evening/Sunday job still. [)]

[NellieBly]

It's been a tough three weeks so I think a lengthy trip to some warm, tropical climate on the school's jet with a few underage men is in order!

[breitee]

A true snake oil salesman just like dear old Dad. He can take his "lovely" wife and pack up for California to visit Oral. The university campus should be razed and replaced with another Cheesecake Factory.

[Townsend]

quote:Originally posted by breitee
The university campus should be razed and replaced with another Cheesecake Factory.

Heck, I was just hoping they'd fix some of the busted steps.

[Sangria]

I am an adult and I have given underage males a ride in my car - however - I never spent the night with them in a guest house....

Our company name was recently used in one of those South african Scams with travelers checks. We have spent an entire month collecting paper to protect ourselves.....

If someone had allegations against me that's exactly what I would do. Create a paper trail to protect me. I would not shred anything unless I have something to hide. Nor would I fire anyone because that makes people wonder....

I guess after living through Oral's silliness, this is really not a stretch for most to believe.

[shadows]

If all these accusations are proven then we will have all those surplus bricks from the demolishing of the city own building,   We can have a good fashion public Christian stoning.  That would fill the gap between a major asset to Tulsa and the beliefs that we morally depend on in our every day lives,

[BKDotCom]

cnn.com lead story

[restored2x]

quote:Originally posted by BKDotCom

cnn.com lead story

Can't find it at all on foxnews.com - hmmmmm

[Rowdy]

I don't even attend the University but I can't believe the blood-sucking people that post here. No one has any final answers over anything and yet the attacks are incredulous. I guarantee most if no one here even knows the truth to the allegations and mainly go off their own hatred/bigot statements.  

The guy may be guilty.  Who knows. But its not the fact some people here are just talking about it, its the "burn in Hell because I just knew you were untrustworthy" BS. Yeah, I AM a Christian.  I guess that puts a mark on me too.  Yeah, I believe in tithing to my church since that is the only way it can function.  That's another Tulsa Now mark I guess too.  Guess the IQ wasn't as high here as I thought.

[Ed W]

quote:Originally posted by Rowdy

I don't even attend the University but I can't believe the blood-sucking people that post here. No one has any final answers over anything and yet the attacks are incredulous. I guarantee most if no one here even knows the truth to the allegations and mainly go off their own hatred/bigot statements.  

We've all seen this story arc again and again involving celebrities, politicians, rich morons, and other folks who believe they're impervious to ordinary laws.  The initial news breaks.  Then it's 'deny, deny,deny.'  Tidbits of information leak.  Finally there's a heart-felt confession and promise to never engage in wrong-doing again.  The much-reduced congregation of true believers moves into a smaller church.

While I agree entirely that "no one has any final answers" and that implies we should be reserving judgment about this case, let's take that to it's logical conclusion.  None of us, Christians, Jews, Hindus, or even the Neo-Druid Dead Puppy Cult, know what ultimately happens after we die.  So could your Christian fellows reserve judgment about the rest of us sinners, at least until after we're all dead?

It's a small thing, I know.

[Rowdy]

As usual, I see nothing but empty-filled words  with generalized and biased remarks which contain no truth.  All your post shows is the typical anti-Christian remarks about Christians acting holier than thou and all sinners are sub-par.

It is your own self-indulged euphoria over anyone who believes in the Christian way that deludes you and your mindset on the real world. If someone is guilty, then they are guilty. Holding over every Christian's head that they are a bunch of self-proclaimed judges of the earth is typical banter of a misinformed and quite ignorant human being.

[Ed W]

I thought I heard something like "Judge not lest ye be judged" in the previous post.  Perhaps I was mistaken.

[Rowdy]

Exactly.