(RNS) The Rev. Robert A. Schuller has resigned as senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in Southern California after his father, the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, said his son would no longer be the sole preacher on the church’s “Hour of Power” television program.
In October, the elder Schuller said differences between the two men over the “direction and the vision” of the megachurch and its related television broadcast had led them to “part ways.” At that time, the younger Schuller remained as the church’s senior pastor while the elder Schuller hosted the broadcast and invited a range of guest speakers to the pulpit.
A statement on Crystal Cathedral’s Web site says its executive team has accepted the younger Schuller’s resignation and he remains a member of the Reformed Church in America, the denomination with which the church is affiliated.
“It is expected that Robert will make an announcement soon regarding plans for his new ministry,” reads the statement. “The leadership and congregation wishes him all the best as his plans unfold.”
The Rev. Juan Carlos Ortiz, founder of Crystal Cathedral Hispanic Ministry, has been named interim senior pastor.
Crystal Cathedral spokesman John Charles said the elder Schuller’s role has not changed at the ministry. The pulpit is being filled by a rotation of pastors around the country, he said.
As of Monday (Dec. 15), Charles said the younger Schuller had not yet announced his future plans.
By Adelle M. Banks
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