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Religion Title: Crystal Cathedral Founder Asks For Help GARDEN GROVE – Speaking to Crystal Cathedral congregants for the first time Sunday after the megachurch filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, founder Robert H. Schuller sent out an emotional plea for help. Schuller, 84, talked about a tornado that flattened his father's cornfield and home in Iowa when he was a teenager. He said his father was the only farmer who rebuilt. "I learned from my father that tough times never last," Schuller bellowed, his voice echoing across the glass house. "Tough people do." Schuller's voice choked up with emotion as he told worshippers that his church has faced several challenges over the last 60 years. "I need more help from you," he said. "If you are a tither, become a double-tither. If you are not a tither, become a tither. This ministry has earned your trust. This ministry has earned your help." His daughter, Sheila Schuller Coleman, who heads the ministry with her father, explained to congregants why the church is in debt and why they had to file for bankruptcy protection. "Our debt, including our $36-million mortgage, is close to $50 million," she said. The church, faced with mounting debt, has been selling off its assets and has also canceled its iconic "Glory of Christmas" and "Glory of Easter" pageants this year. The Cathedral has also been torn by internal strife since the founding pastor's son, Robert A. Schuller, quit as senior pastor after ideological differences with his father. On Sunday, Coleman assured church members that with good, "Biblical" money management, they will be out of bankruptcy soon and start a new chapter. Coleman said she knew that some of the vendors are suffering because they did not get paid in time. But she told congregants that they cannot play favorites when it comes to which vendors they can pay first. "We have to pay all of them and we can't pay them all at once," she said. "So, we are coming up with a payment plan." Near the end of Coleman's message, church members gave Schuller a standing ovation. Jean Hess, a 30-year member who is also a greeter at the church, said she was touched by Coleman's message Sunday morning. "Sheila is really trying hard and she is a good person,"Hess said. "But, I think, to get back to where it was, the church needs to look outside of the family to find a true leader." William DeVries was visiting the church with his family from Arkansas. "We've watched the "Hour of Power" for years," he said. "This is an inspirational church that has preached to people internationally. This is a tough situation for them. But I think they will survive." Doris Bailey, a five-year member, said she believes the leaders are sincere and confident that the church will weather this crisis. "Sheila spoke from her heart," she said. "I feel the church will be OK."
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#1. To: Brian S (#0)
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