REV. ROBERT SCHULLER’s famed CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL shatters as bankrupt worshippers flip out!
Rev. Robert Schuller’s world-famous Crystal Cathedral has been ripped apart by a devastating holy war among family members – and now heartbroken worshippers are trying to rescue it from a $55 million bankruptcy.
In an online petition, churchgoers declare: “It is time to rise up and take our church back! Please sign this petition to change our board to a truly independent board. This means no family members, no paid staff, no contractors!”
Meantime, attendance has plummeted. Lines for the worship service used to stretch out the door – but petition organizers say a recent Sunday drew a total of only 579 people for two services, leaving 5,021 seats vacant!
In early July, the Rev. Schuller, 84, lost his vote on the board of the very ministry he created more than 50 years ago, although he got his vote back at a board meeting on July 22.
His son, Robert A. Schuller, was previously forced out also by the board which includes his sisters and brothers-in-law and blames the board for the debacle.
“A majority of that board consisted of paid employees of the church and that’s a serious conflict of interest,” he declared.
Over the years, many celebrities have been associated with the church, including Charlton Heston, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, John Tesh, Glen Campbell, Kirk Douglas and Evel Knievel.
Roger Williams, who played piano at the Crystal Cathedral for 35 years, says he left the church because he was tired of dealing with Schuller’s offspring.
To make matters worse, some people complain that the church owes them money.
“The church hasn’t paid anyone yet,” said Kristina Oliver, who was owed $56,000 for supplying camels, horses and sheep to the church’s famed Christmas pageant.
Some churchgoers blame executive salaries while others point a finger squarely at the founder’s daughter, Sheila Schuller Coleman.
“She turned away from the traditional sacred music of the church to gospel music and told members of the world-famous Crystal Cathedral choir they could no longer be members if they were unmarried and living with a partner or if they were gay,” a former church executive told The ENQUIRER.
The Roman Catholic Church is offering to buy the magnificent Crystal Cathedral for $50 million or more, but nothing has been approved.
“The ones who are making out on this are the bankruptcy attorneys,” Oliver told The ENQUIRER.
“They’re really cleaning up!”