The Crystal Cathedral, Orange County’s landmark megachurch, now faces an online petition launched by senior members alleging nepotism and a doctrinal shift by founder Robert H. Schuller’s daughters.

“It is time to rise up and take our church back!” says the petition, soliciting signatures of Crystal Cathedral members, former members, friends and viewers of Schuller’s Hour of Power weekly show.

The petition, which had received over 330 signatures as of Sunday, seeks “a truly independent board,” meaning “no family member, no paid staff, and no paid contractors.”

The board of trustees of the Crystal Cathedral currently includes salaried employees apart from Robert H. Schuller’s daughters and son-in-laws. Schuller, who along with his wife Arvella founded the church in 1955, was removed as a voting member early this month. His son Robert A. Schuller was voted off the board three years ago. Their dismissals followed their attempts to induct members who had no self-interest.

“We have been in contact with the Classis and Synod of the RCA [Reformed Church in America] Denomination Headquarters, who governs our Church, and they will help us,” adds the petition. Once 1,000 signatures are obtained, the petition will be sent to the RCA, the denomination the church is affiliated with.

The feud in the Schuller family became prominent in 2008 when the founder’s daughter, Sheila Schuller Coleman, took control of the ministry after his son Robert A. Schuller’s departure.

Read More