The founder of one of the U.S.'s first megachurches has been ousted from his seat on the board of the Crystal Cathedral Ministries,
CNN reports.
The Rev. Robert H. Schuller built the Crystal Cathedral; the 84-year-old was voted out several days ago by the church's board.
The church issued a statement downplaying the ouster.
"Now 84 years old, Dr. Schuller has been working toward semi-retirement, since total retirement is not an option for this pastor who is still just as passionate about his calling," the statement said. "Recently, the board of directors of Crystal Cathedral Ministries voted to change Dr. Schuller's position from that of a voting board member to the honorary Chairman of the Board Emeritus, a non-voting position," the statement added.
Schuller, the statement said, would have more time for speaking engagements and other ministries.
"He will also continue to speak in the pulpit of the Crystal Cathedral and on the Hour of Power, and meet with staff in creative and vision-casting meetings," the church release read.
Schuller's granddaughter, Angie Schuller Wyatt, told CNN that the vote took place several days ago. "He was ousted by the board in the same way my father was. It was surprising, but not completely unexpected," she said.
In 2006, the elder Schuller stepped down from the pulpit as senior pastor, but continued to preach and be on the the board. His son Robert A. Schuller stepped in as senior pastor. Two years later after a dispute with the board the younger Schuller was voted out by the board, according to CNN.
The megachurch is now run by Sheila Schuller Coleman, the senior pastor's eldest daughter, who is executive director of ministries and missions.
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