Crystal Cathedral Considers Relocating to Nearby Catholic Church
California Ministry Offered Free Rent for One Year by Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
Crystal Cathedral's newly minted president said Wednesday that the ministry behind the "Hour of Power" might be moving to a Catholic church in their Orange County, Calif., neighborhood, although probably not for another year and a half.
John Charles, president and CEO of the ministry, reportedly said in a meeting of the congregants and the church board that St. Callistus Catholic Church in Garden Grove was the only option the bankrupt ministry could consider moving to when it comes time to relocate, as its campus was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in February.
Following the famous ministry's bankruptcy filing in Oct. 2010 and subsequent sale, the congregation was given three years from when the escrow closed to find a new venue.
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Although not as impressive in looks as the glass building that Crystal Cathedral was famous for, St. Callistus lies only two blocks from the ministry's current home, which it currently leases from the Roman Catholic diocese.
The diocese, also owner of the St. Callistus property, has offered the Protestant ministry, founded by the Rev. Robert H. Schuller about 50 years ago, free rent for the first year, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. After the first year, Crystal Cathedral Ministries' rent would increase to $25,000 per month.
A spokesman for Crystal Cathedral Ministries, Steve Yount, confirmed with The Christian Post Thursday that St. Callistus is the only new venue the church was considering, although he declined to provide any details.
Charles reportedly said Wednesday that he was obliged to give six months' notice before leaving the Crystal Cathedral campus and that he would like to stay at the current location through next year.
Following the campus sale, the ministry's woes continued with the departure of its founder, his wife, and other members of the Schuller family within the same month. Senior Pastor Sheila Schuller Coleman left with a part of the congregation to found her own church nearby. The Schullers reportedly left over multiple disputes as to how the ministry should be run, as well as financial complaints.
Since then, only Bobby Schuller, the founder's grandson, has returned as a weekly guest preacher.
Dr. Lawrence Wilkes temporarily fills in as senior pastor, while the church searches for a permanent leader.
