Crystal Cathedral says it's not for sale

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Officials of California's bankrupt Crystal Cathedral are appealing for donations after deciding not to sell the landmark property.

Church leaders announced during Sunday services that the board had decided Thursday not to sell the famous building in Garden Grove, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Buyers that had shown interest included Greenlaw Partners, a real estate group; the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange; Chapman University; and My Father's House Church International.

"We really as a board came together and made the commitment that the cathedral is not for sale at any price," board member Walt Kallestad said during the service.

The cathedral's founder, the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, praised the decision. "It's time to focus on rescue, not abandonment," he said. "It's time to face our mountain."

Church leaders asked congregants and viewers of the "Hour of Power" on television to help pay off a debt of more than $50 million.

The cathedral had a bankruptcy court hearing set for Monday.