Schuller and his family sued what was formerly their own ministry for
over $7 million claiming intellectual property theft among other
obligations and damages.
The church fought back, claiming the Schullers
were owed nothing and that they were facing bankruptcy.
However,
the bankruptcy court judge was unpersuaded by most of the Schuller
family claims and awarded them only $700,000.
The ruling clears the way
for the Crystal Cathedral to honor outstanding obligations to creditors.
The Crystal cathedral has been in bankruptcy for several years,
going so far as to sell the iconic Crystal Cathedral itself to the
Catholic Church. The ministry will relocate to a much smaller venue next
year.
Schuller rose to prominence in the 1980's as one of the
leading national televangelists, hosting the "Hour of Power" program.
Millions watched the program on television.
However, Schuller
came under criticism for employing family members and paying them
generous salaries.
The family is accused of taking millions from the
ministry in past years.
The ruling should close out what has
been a painful episode in the history of the Cathedral and pave the way
for rebuilding - and paying off of creditors.