GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (AP) — Crystal Cathedral founder Robert H. Schuller tearfully asked his parishioners for help in overcoming the megachurch's tens of millions in debt.
The Orange County Register says Schuller made the plea from the pulpit Sunday as he spoke publicly for the first time since the church filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday.
The 84-year-old Schuller's voice cracked with emotion as he told congregants about his family home in Iowa getting flattened by a tornado when he was a teen. He said it taught him that tough moments never last, but tough people do.
Schuller says his ministry had earned the trust of churchgoers, and has also earned their help.
Citing debts of more than $43 million, the organization declared bankruptcy last week.
___
Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www.ocregister.com
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.