SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Roman Catholic Church officials have asked a California bankruptcy court to block the sale of the Crystal Cathedral to Chapman University.
The Diocese of Orange (Calif.) said in a recent court petition that it has made a better offer for the 40-acre site south of Los Angeles and the Chapman offer should be rejected.
The administrators of the cathedral property said last week they had selected Chapman's offer of $50 million for the property. The diocese says its offer is $53.6 million and contends it will have a better chance of paying off the creditors.
The Orange County (Calif.) Register said Monday both plans include provisions to lease the landmark church back to its current owners, Crystal Cathedral Ministries, as well as a buy-back option.
Chapman is offering a five-year plan. The Catholics propose a three-year deal and moving the ministry to an alternative site at a reduced rate.
The diocese maintains in its petition that the terms of the Chapman proposal are too expensive for Crystal Cathedral Ministries and would likely result in an default down the road.
A hearing on the proceedings will be held Nov. 14.
