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.