Bankruptcy filing shows: Crystal Cathedral insiders received hefty compensation, housing allowances

[Liberal_in_LA]

Crystal Cathedral insiders received hefty compensation, housing allowances

Financial documents filed Wednesday in the Crystal Cathedral bankruptcy case show that the church gave generous compensation to insiders and family members in the year before the Garden Grove-based mega-church filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

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The U.S. Trustee overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings has already objected to the $132,000 housing allowance paid to one insider, saying there was "no justification whatsoever" for an allowance of that amount. The insider, Chief Financial Officer Fred Southard, said it was a benefit he is entitled to as a minister ordained by Crystal Cathedral.

The newly filed documents show that at least three additional people received housing allowances of more than $100,000: Schuller's son-in-law Paul Dunn, who writes and directs the annual Glory of Christmas pageant; Schuller's daughter Carol Milner and his son Robert A. Schuller.

Founder Robert H. Schuller, who still sits on the board with his wife Arvella, also received an allowance, as did Schuller's son-in-law James Coleman, who is president of Crystal Cathedral Ministries; James Penner, another son-in-law who produces the "Hour of Power" television program; and CFO Southard's son-in-law William Gaultiere, who is part-time pastor of Spiritual Formation Ministries.

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The church currently owes $48.5 million to its creditors, according to the document.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/12/crystal-cathedral-insiders-received-hefty-compensation-and-housing-allowances.html

[bemildred]

1. Has anything like this ever happened before? nt

[jmowreader]

3. More than likely...

I have a hard time feeling sorry for an organization that would give one of its executives $132,000 a year in housing allowance.

There are whole houses--NEW ONES--in Coeur d'Alene that are being sold for $118,000. This means that after paying ALL the costs--closing, attorney fees, house payments, taxes and insurance--this man's housing allowance for one year would put this man into a new house. Free and clear.

I remember the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, and I can't help but think when the Lord sorts the nations into sheep and goats, the paid preacher class will be put on His left.

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. even in southern California, 10K a month buys a really nice house

[Raine]

8. I wonder if that is for buying or renting

either way half of that should get you something really really nice in one of the burbs here.

[bemildred]

5. I should have used a sarcasm smiley. nt

[Canuckistanian]

10. LOL

That just took the wind out of MY sails. I was going to say the same thing, only less funnier.

[Angry Dragon]

2. It seems that their god has taken a pass on their church

Perhaps he was thinking more along the lines of just a small tent

[aquamarina]

6. Money always trumps God - didn't you know?

:sarcasm:

[ejpoeta]

7. money is god.... it says so right on it! 'in god we trust'. geesh.

do you really need the :sarcasm: tag?

[aquamarina]

9. Just didn't want there to be any misunderstanding.