Television Evangelist Robert H. Schuller's Crystal Cathedral Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

I blogged about television evangelist Robert H. Schuller's church, Crystal Cathedral, last year, when news of a squabble between he and his son, Rev. Robert A. Schuller, caused a rift in the church, but I didn't realize it would have led to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by a church. According to the Seattle Times, the cathedral owes about $7.5 million to unsecured creditors and the bankruptcy filing seeks court protection from its creditors. Er, what about paying your dues and not being a slave to the lender? Isn't that clearly stated in the Bible and to display temperance in all that one does? Classic case of do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I.

The church lost members in the wake of a family feud after Schuller retired. His son, the Rev. Robert A. Schuller, succeeded his father, but stepped down in 2008 after disagreements. His sister is now the church's leader.

In a statement issued Monday, Senior Pastor Sheila Schuller Coleman said the bankruptcy filing was necessary because a "small number of creditors chose to file lawsuits and obtained writ of attachment." She said the cathedral also had no choice because a committee of creditors decided not to extend a moratorium to allow continued talks about a payment plan.

The cathedral, which has been a landmark and a tourist attraction with its glistening glass tower, is now faced with $55 million in debt because of the economy and dwindling contributions. The church's budget woes have forced it to downsize its staff, cancel "Hour of Power" programming in certain markets, and even send home choir and orchestra members. In May, the church sold land donated by John and Donna Crean in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., for $22.5 million. Source: Seattle Times

Well, if you live in a glass house, don't throw stones. Literally and figuratively. This is bad. Really bad. What have they been doing over the years with all the donations sent to the church from all over the world, and what they received from members? Living the high life at the expense of their donors and congregants.

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