ANAHEIM (CBS) — An Orange County mega-church is denying reports that its founder has been ousted by the board of directors.

A press release posted on Monday on the official Crystal Cathedral website said Robert Schuller has not stepped down, but rather has changed his voting status on the board.

KNX 1070′s Vitas Safronikas reports the move is expected to allow Schuller more free time for speaking engagements and a long-planned writing project.

Schuller is now officially listed as “honorary Chairman of the Board Emeritus”, which is a non-voting position.

He also will continue to speak in the pulpit and on the popular “Hour of Power” show, along with continuing to consult staff in “creative and vision-casting meetings”.

Earlier reports said Schuller had been completely voted off the board.

The change comes as Schuller faces mounting criticism of his handling of the church’s finances, which recently fueled a near-mutiny of the music ministry at an Easter service over payroll issues.

“He didn’t want to move out of the identity and the forums that had made him successful,” said Scott Thumma of Hartford Seminary.