Televangelist forgives internet prankster

HOUSTON, April 9 (UPI) -- Houston televangelist Joel Osteen says he is not angry at the hoaxer who created a bogus website that said he was quitting because he had lost his faith.

"You know, I'm really not angry. I don't feel like a victim," Osteen told ABC News. "I feel too blessed, that life is too short to let things like this get you down."

The hoax included a site that closely resembled the actual site for Lakewood Church in Houston and Joel Osteen Ministries and fake sites for news organizations like CNN, the Houston Chronicle reported. There was also a fake Twitter account and a YouTube video featuring "Osteen."

A supposed CNN head read: "Pastor of mega church resigns, rejects Christ," followed by a subhead, "Cites lack of faith, pledges 'new church.' "

Osteen, 50, took over as senior pastor of Lakewood Church when his father, the founder, died in 1999. He is the author of numerous books.