His son, Robert A. Schuller, confirmed his father's ousting on Monday. The younger Schuller, who himself was voted off the board three years ago, said the removal of his 84-year-old father was prompted by wanting to enlarge the ministry's board of directors.
Crystal Cathedral released a statement:
"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. He will 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."
Rev. Schuller founded the church more than 50 years ago and turned it into one of the nation's first mega-churches.
Besides financial turmoil, the ministry has been torn apart by a Schuller family feud, with the elder Robert, his wife and his son at odds with Schuller's two daughters, including Sheila Schuller Coleman, who serves as executive director.
"Dad will continue to provide leadership for this ministry through me for as long as possible," said Coleman in a statement. "I have and will continue to defer to his wisdom and honor him for his unprecedented accomplishments."
The church recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
City News Service contributed to this story
