TULSA, Okla., Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Oral Roberts, speaking at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma for the first time in three years, told students that "the devil is not going to steal ORU."
Roberts, 79, entered the chapel inconspicuously Monday as the chairman of the board of regents was speaking. But students nearby recognized him and began cheering, sparking a standing ovation, The Tulsa World reported.
Richard Roberts, Oral's son, took a leave of absence as president of the university last week. Three former professors have filed a lawsuit claiming that they were forced out of their jobs after they gave the regents a report that said Richard Roberts was involved in financial wrongdoing and improperly got the university into a political campaign.
Oral Roberts, who has been named an interim president with Billy Joe Daugherty, pastor of the Victory Christian Center, told students that the university will try mediation to resolve the dispute.
“This will be over and behind us, and my son will be back and be president of Oral Roberts University,” he said.
