Schuller family unhappy with ruling

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- A bankruptcy judge in Los Angeles has awarded $700,000 to Crystal Cathedral founder Robert H. Schuller and his family, far less than the millions they sought.

Schuller had sought $5 million for intellectual property, copyright infringement and contract violations as his Christian ministry, which included the "Hour of Power" television program, went through bankruptcy, which fractured his relationship with the church's hierarchy. Schuller's family had sought addition sums.

Schuller's daughter, Carol Milner, described Monday's ruling a "travesty," the Los Angeles Times reported. Liquidation of the assets was the only resort remaining, she said.

"It's an avoidance of responsibility for an organization to not take care of those who have gone before them. It's tragic," she said. "But sometimes tragedies speak louder than other stories."

John Charles, chief executive officer of Crystal Cathedral, said the process has been "long and painful for everyone involved, and our congregation is ready to move on."

The Times said donations are down at the ministry, which will abandon the cathedral in Garden Grove next summer and hold services in a Catholic church.

Other creditors have filed claims totaling more than $12 million. An attorney working on the case said they could be paid by the end of the year now that the Schuller family's portion has been decided.