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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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God to Roberts: You're Fired!

Ex-boss of Oral Roberts U: 'He' told me to quit, but vowed 'something supernatural'

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(Newser) – Oral Roberts University president Richard Roberts told the school's student body yesterday that he didn't want to resign, but God insisted on it. Roberts, son of school founder Oral Roberts, faces a lawsuit accusing him of spending extravagantly while the school was in financial straits. He said God spoke to him on Thanksgiving and ordered him to resign the next day.

"Every ounce of my flesh said: 'No,'" Roberts explained, but once he accepted the command "peace came into my heart." Roberts also said that God promised to "do something supernatural for the university." On Tuesday, a donor pledged $70 million to the school. Roberts will return full-time to an evangelic healing ministry.

Dr. John Swails, left, Attorney Gary Richardson, center, and Dr. Tim Brooker answer questions during a news conference announcing their suit against Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., in this Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, file photo. Oral Roberts University President Richard Roberts, says God is speaking again, telling him to...
Dr. John Swails, left, Attorney Gary Richardson, center, and Dr. Tim Brooker answer questions during a news conference announcing their suit against Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., in this Tuesday,...   (Associated Press)
The large praying hands at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., are pictured Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. The president of Oral Roberts University, Richard Roberts facing accusations he misspent school funds to support a lavish lifestyle, resigned on Friday Nov. 23, 2007, officials said. (AP Photo)
The large praying hands at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., are pictured Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. The president of Oral Roberts University, Richard Roberts facing accusations he misspent school funds...   (Associated Press)
A campus security car stops below the large praying hands at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Embattled Oral Roberts University president Richard Roberts, facing accusations he misspent university funds to support a lavish lifestyle, has received a vote of
A campus security car stops below the large praying hands at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla. on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Embattled Oral Roberts University president Richard Roberts, facing accusations...   (Associated Press)
Richard Roberts, president and chief executive officer of Oral Roberts University, is shown in Tulsa, Okla, in this Sept. 30, 2004, file photo. Roberts resigned Wednesday. (AP Photo/The World Tulsa, Robert S. Cross)
Richard Roberts, president and chief executive officer of Oral Roberts University, is shown in Tulsa, Okla, in this Sept. 30, 2004, file photo. Roberts resigned Wednesday. (AP Photo/The World Tulsa, Robert...   (Associated Press)
The prayer tower at Oral Roberts University is seen in Tulsa, Okla. on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Oral Roberts University President Richard Roberts, says God is speaking again, telling him to resign. (AP Photo)
The prayer tower at Oral Roberts University is seen in Tulsa, Okla. on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. Oral Roberts University President Richard Roberts, says God is speaking again, telling him to resign. (AP Photo)   (Associated Press)
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