OBIT-ROBERT SCHULLER
Robert Schuller, Crystal Cathedral megachurch founder, dies
ARTESIA, Calif. (AP) — The Rev. Robert H. Schuller, the California televangelist who brought his message of “possibility thinking” to millions, has died in California. He was 88.
Carol Schuller Milner says her father died early Thursday at a care facility in Artesia, California.
Schuller started preaching in 1955 at a rented drive-in theater. In 1970, he began a TV ministry called the “Hour of Power.” At its peak, the program reached 20 million viewers. In 1980, he built a soaring glass cathedral to house his booming ministry.
In 2006, Schuller’s only son, Robert A. Schuller, was installed as senior pastor. But the organization was hit by falling membership and revenue after he left in 2008.
The church filed for bankruptcy in 2010, and the elder Schuller resigned from the board in 2012. The Roman Catholic church now owns the cathedral.
Sound:
267-a-07-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“long, good life”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says his father suffered from cancer of the esophagus. (2 Apr 2015)
< 264-a-06-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“would go up”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says he and his father hosted dozens of large meetings with the ministry’s supporters. (2 Apr 2015) < 265-a-12-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“the everyday man”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says his father was a great preacher. (2 Apr 2015) < 266-a-11-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“his greatest disappointment”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says the ministry declined and went bankrupt after his father’s retirement. (2 Apr 2015) < 262-w-33-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with the Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller)–The television ministry of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, who died Thursday at the age of 88, averted many suicides, according to his son. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (2 Apr 2015) < 263-a-09-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“how many lives”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says his father had a powerful and far-reaching ministry. (2 Apr 2015) < 156-a-11-(The Reverend Robert H. Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral, at lighting of the National Christmas Tree on December 7, 2006)-“for our president”-The Reverend Robert H. Schuller prayed for American troops and the president at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on December 7, 2006. (2 Apr 2015) < 155-a-16-(The Reverend Robert H. Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral, at church service on January 1, 2006)-“for each other”-The Reverend Robert H. Schuller announced on New Year’s Day 2006 that his son was taking over the “Hour of Power” broadcast. (2 Apr 2015) < 154-a-12-(The Reverend Robert H. Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral, at church service on January 1, 2006)-“of this church”-The Reverend Robert H. Schuller announced on New Year’s Day 2006 that the church’s board had picked his son to succeed him. (2 Apr 2015) < OBIT-ROBERT SCHULLER-LEGACY Son says the late Robert Schuller’s ministry saved lives NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) — The television ministry of the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, who died Thursday at the age of 88, averted many suicides, according to his son. The Rev. Robert A. Schuller says when he and his father had large meetings with supporters of the Crystal Cathedral and its “Hour of Power” broadcast, they would ask if anyone’s life had been saved by the ministry, and always “about ten hands would go up.” The younger Schuller took over in 2006 but internal divisions drove him out two years later. By 2010 the ministry that Robert H. Schuller founded was bankrupt and the iconic cathedral was sold to the Catholic church. Robert A. Schuller says that was probably the greatest disappointment in what was otherwise his father’s “long, good life.” The “Hour of Power” broadcast is now hosted by the founder’s grandson, the Rev. Bobby Schuller. Sound: 267-a-07-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“long, good life”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says his father suffered from cancer of the esophagus. (2 Apr 2015) < 264-a-06-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“would go up”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says he and his father hosted dozens of large meetings with the ministry’s supporters. (2 Apr 2015) < 265-a-12-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“the everyday man”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says his father was a great preacher. (2 Apr 2015) < 266-a-11-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“his greatest disappointment”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says the ministry declined and went bankrupt after his father’s retirement. (2 Apr 2015) < 262-w-33-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with the Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller)–The television ministry of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, who died Thursday at the age of 88, averted many suicides, according to his son. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (2 Apr 2015) < 263-a-09-(The Reverend Robert A. Schuller, son of the Reverend Robert H. Schuller, in AP interview)-“how many lives”-The Reverend Robert A. Schuller says his father had a powerful and far-reaching ministry. (2 Apr 2015) < RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS-ARKANSAS Arkansas governor signs revised religious objections bill LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed a revised version of a religious objections bill that supporters say addresses concerns that the original proposal sanctioned discrimination against gays and lesbians. Hutchinson signed the new bill Thursday moments after it was given final approval by the state House. The law prohibits state and local government from infringing on someone’s religious beliefs without a compelling interest. The move comes a day after Hutchinson asked lawmakers to change the measure to make it more closely mirror a 1993 federal law. The original bill drew widespread criticism from businesses and others who called it anti-gay. Sound: 258-a-12-(Governor Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., at bill-signing ceremony)-“a good result”-Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson says this bill was the result of hard work by lawmakers. ((cut used in wrap)) (2 Apr 2015) < 257-a-14-(Governor Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., at bill-signing ceremony)-“on our workforce”-Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson says the new religious objection bill covers a lot of bases. ((longer version of cut used in wrap)) ((note audio quality)) (2 Apr 2015) < 256-w-35-(Ed Donahue, AP correspondent, with Governor Asa Hutchison, R-Ark.)–The governor of Arkansas has signed a revised version of a religious objection bill. The AP’s Ed Donahue reports. (2 Apr 2015) < RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS-INDIANA Indiana governor OKs changes to religious objections law INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has approved changes to the religious objections law that sparked boycotts of the state amid allegations that it would allow discrimination against lesbians and gays. Pence had asked lawmakers to clarify language in the religious objections law earlier this week as businesses canceled conventions and governments banned travel to the state. The House and Senate approved the changes Thursday after intense negotiations with business and community leaders, and Pence signed it late in the day. The revised legislation prohibits providers from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations. It also bars discrimination based on factors that include race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or United States military service. The law will take effect July 1. Sound: 158-a-16-(Chris Douglas, president, Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, at news conference)-“as equal citizens”-Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce President Chris Douglas says he’s happy with revisions made to Indiana’s religious freedom law. (2 Apr 2015) < 160-a-15-(Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in remarks at town hall meeting)-“the right thing”-Senator Ted Cruz of Texas champions Indiana’s religious freedom law. COURTESY: KMEG-TV((mandatory on-air credit)) (embargo Sioux City, Iowa) (2 Apr 2015) < 157-a-10-(Jim Morris, president, Pacers Sports and Entertainment, at news conference)-“treated as equals”-Pacers Sports and Entertainment President Jim Morris says changes to a controversial religious freedom law show Indiana is committed to non-discrimination. (2 Apr 2015) < 159-a-17-(Chris Douglas, president, Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, at news conference)-“these necessary protections”-Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce President Chris Douglas says ammendments being made to a religious freedom law are a first step to equal rights for all Indiana residents. (2 Apr 2015) < 149-a-12-(Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, at news conference)-“co-exist in harmony”-Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long says he and his fellow Republican lawmakers are making changes to a new religious freedom law that has faced criticism for potentially allowing discrimination against gays and lesbians. (2 Apr 2015) < 150-a-12-(Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, at news conference)-“from the truth”-Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long says amendments to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act bar discrimination based on sexual orientation. (2 Apr 2015) < 148-a-09-(House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, at news conference)-“and every Hoosier”-Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma assures state residents their rights will not be infringed by a now-amended religious freedom law. (2 Apr 2015) < RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS-NO SERVICE Police patrol Indiana pizzeria that won’t cater gay weddings WALKERTON, Ind. (AP) — Police have stepped up patrols around a small-town Indiana pizzeria after one of the owners said the state’s new religious objections law backs their right to deny catering to a same-sex wedding. Walkerton Police assistant chief Charles Kulp tells the South Bend Tribune that there was no trouble Wednesday night involving the restaurant, which he says has received threats. He says they’ll have increased patrols as long as the threats continue. Crystal O’Connor of Memories Pizza has said her family would say no if asked by a gay couple to provide pizzas for their wedding, but would serve gay couples or non-Christian couples at the Walkerton restaurant. Kulp says the family has closed the restaurant and likely won’t reopen soon. POLL-RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS What Americans think about gay rights and religious liberty WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans support allowing businesses to refuse wedding-related services to same-sex couples on religious grounds, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll conducted earlier this year. The poll found that 57 percent of Americans think wedding-related businesses should be allowed to refuse services to gay and lesbian ceremonies because of religious objections, while 39 percent think that should not be allowed. That poll also found half of Americans think state and local officials who issue marriage licenses in states where it is legal for gay couples to marry should be exempt from issuing licenses to same-sex couples if doing so would violate their religious beliefs. Three quarters of evangelical Christians said wedding-related businesses should be allowed to refuse service to same-sex couples, while non-evangelicals were more evenly divided. Eight in 10 evangelicals, but only 4 in 10 non-evangelicals, supported religious exemptions for officials who issue marriage licenses. Sound: 126-v-29-(Shirley Smith, AP correspondent)–Recent surveys suggest that most Americans are in favor of letting businesses refuse wedding related services to same-sex couples on religious grounds. AP correspondent Shirley Smith reports. (2 Apr 2015) < 127-c-20-(Shirley Smith, AP correspondent)-“not be allowed”-AP correspondent Shirley Smith reports recent polls indicating support for laws allowing wedding related businesses to refuse service to gay and lesbian couples, break down on political lines. (2 Apr 2015) < 128-c-19-(Shirley Smith, AP correspondent)-“issue marriage licenses”-AP correspondent Shirley Smith reports that recent polls indicate there’s a religious divideon allowing businesses to refuse wedding services to gay and lesbian couples. (2 Apr 2015) < RELIGION TRENDS Report: Islam fastest-growing major faith in coming decades NEW YORK (AP) — A new study says Islam is expected to be the fastest-growing religion worldwide in the next four decades. The report by the Pew Research Center says that by 2050, Muslims are projected to nearly match Christians in both number and share of the global population. The analysis is based on birth and death rates, immigration patterns and other information found in censuses and studies around the world. Christians will remain the largest group, with 2.92 billion adherents. Muslims are projected to reach 2.76 billion. Each group will be about 30 percent of the world population. Much growth in Christianity and Islam will occur in Africa. Muslims are also expected to become 10 percent of Europe’s population. In the U.S., Muslims are projected to outnumber Jews by mid-century. Sound: 180-c-17-(Rita Foley, AP correspondent)-“Jews by mid-century”-AP correspondent Rita Foley drills down on the report’s findings (2 Apr 2015) < 179-v-28-(Rita Foley, AP correspondent)–Islam will be the fastest-growing religion in the world in the foreseeable future, according to a new study. AP correspondent Rita Foley reports. (2 Apr 2015) < KENYA-UNIVERSITY ATTACK Officials: At least 147 die in Kenya attack NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan officials say Thursday’s attack by the Islamic extremist group al-Shabab on a college campus claimed 147 lives. That’s in addition to the four gunmen who also died. The four attackers were strapped with explosives which went off like bombs when they were hit by gunfire from Kenyan officers. The country’s interior minister says most of those killed were students at Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya. One survivor says the extremists were singling out Christians and killing them immediately. Many of the students in a dormitory attacked by the gunmen were girls. It was by far the highest death toll in an attack by al-Shabab, an Islamic extremist group from neighboring Somalia, on Kenyan soil. US-BICYCLIST-KILLED-BISHOP Trial date set for bishop accused in drunken-driving death BALTIMORE (AP) — A June 4 trial date has been set for an Episcopal bishop accused of fatally striking a cyclist while driving drunk in Baltimore. Heather Cook entered a not-guilty plea during her arraignment in Baltimore City Circuit Court on Thursday. Cook faces vehicular manslaughter, drunken driving and distracted driving charges stemming from the Dec. 27 accident. Prosecutors say Cook was drunk and texting when she fatally struck 41-year-old Tom Palermo on his bicycle. She is free on $2.5 million bail. Cook’s attorney David Irwin did not comment on whether a plea deal is in the works and said he expects Cook to be in court on June 4. Family members of the cyclist, Tom Palermo, said after the arraignment that they are “looking forward to justice.” ACLU-CATHOLIC BISHOPS Dispute over hospital ethics is sent to western Michigan DETROIT (AP) — A lawsuit that blames U.S. Catholic bishops for the care of a pregnant woman whose baby died is being transferred to western Michigan. Judge Denise Page Hood says Tamesha Means has failed to show that her lawsuit belongs in Detroit federal court. Page says likely witnesses who treated Means at a Muskegon hospital live on the western side of the state. The American Civil Liberties Union claims bishops were negligent because their religious directives prevented Means from being told that continuing her pregnancy posed grave risks. She went into early labor and the baby died after a few hours in 2010. Means was treated at Mercy Health Muskegon, a Catholic hospital, 200 miles northwest of Detroit. VATICAN-HOLY THURSDAY Holy Thursday: Pope washes the feet of 12 inmates, 1 infant VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has washed the feet of a baby and 12 inmates at Rome’s main prison in a pre-Easter ritual meant to show his willingness to serve others. As the inmates wept, Francis knelt down, poured water from a pitcher onto each foot, dried it and then kissed it, re-enacting the ritual that Jesus performed on his apostles before he was crucified. The inmates included six men and six women from separate prisons. One was a mother carrying her son on her lap: Francis washed his feet as well. Francis has revolutionized the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony by performing it on women and non-Catholics and by traveling to detention centers and facilities for the sick. The ritual was traditionally performed only on men, since Jesus’ apostles were men. X-RAY WEAPON PLOT X-ray weapon defendant says authorities concocted plot ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — An upstate New York man accused of helping build an X-ray device he thought would be used to kill people at a mosque and an Islamic center has asked the judge to dismiss charges, saying the entire scheme was concocted by undercover investigators. Glendon Scott Crawford says in court papers that evidence turned over by federal prosecutors shows that from 2012 until his 2013 arrest, 59 federal and state agents worked on the case and that “no criminal enterprise existed,” except as they fabricated it. Crawford, a General Electric mechanic, acknowledges reading about gamma rays, contacting his congressman and the Israeli embassy about the idea of using them on Islamic terrorists, and then being approached by “undercovers.” Co-defendant Eric Feight pleaded guilty last year to providing material support to terrorists.
