Kenneth Copeland wants private jet to avoid vaccine mandates

Kenneth Copeland has suggested donations could help him avoid Covid-19 vaccine requirements put in place by airline travel by funding the costs of a private jet.

The prosperity preacher was soliciting donations during a million dollar "Victorython" fundraiser this week. 

The 84-year-old head of Kenneth Copeland Ministries suggested vaccine mandates were the mark of the beast, although he said it was up to individuals whether they wanted to actually take the vaccine or not. 

"The time has come for ministries, particularly traveling ministries, to have some other method of travel other than the airlines," he claimed.

"You get into this situation, 'We're not going to let you fly unless you're vaccinated.' Well, to me, that's the mark of the beast."

He added, "Not the vaccination. I'm not taking the vaccination, but you can do what you wanna do."

It is reported that Copeland owns a private airport next to his Texas estate. He once told fellow prosperity pastor Jesse Duplantis that by flying private he could avoid getting into "a long tube with a bunch of demons".

Duplantis also appeared during this week's fundraiser and bragged about being a multi-millionaire and owning a private jet.

"They said 'do you own a jet?'. Yes, you can have it the day after the rapture, it's yours, cos Jesse is going to Heaven," he said. 

He also made the astonishing claim that Jesus hadn't returned yet because people aren't giving enough. 

"I honestly believe this, that the reason Jesus hasn't come is because people are not giving the way God told them to give," he said. 

"When you understand, you can speed up the time," he added.

News
Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin
Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin

Former Church of England priest Chris Brain has been convicted of rape and four counts of indecent assault following a retrial. 

Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester

Franklin Graham used the biblical story of Lot’s flight from Sodom to urge thousands in Manchester on Saturday night to seek forgiveness through Christ and accept His gift of salvation.

More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report

More than 4,200 Christians have been killed in Nigeria so far this year, according to a new report calling for stronger action to protect communities facing violence across the country’s Middle Belt.

800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world

4 October is St Francis’s Day, when Christians around the world remember the life and witness of Francis of Assisi. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. This is the story …