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Crystal Cathedral Under Fire For Using Limo To Deliver Food To Rev. Schuller, His Wife

SANTA ANA (CBS) — The Crystal Cathedral is under fire again after Pastor Jim Kok sent an e-mail to congregants asking for meals for Rev. Robert Schuller and his wife, who is recovering from a bout with pneumonia.

The e-mail says Arvella Schuller has been "very weak" and that the couple "would appreciate meals over the next 3-4 weeks."

In the note, Kok asks for food to be taken to the Tower Lobby of the church, where it will be picked up and delivered to the couple in a limo.

Some parishioners are upset the couple is using a limousine service when the debt-saddled mega-church owes creditors $50 million.

On Nov. 14, U.S. District Judge Robert Kwan will determine whether Chapman University, board members' preferred buyer, will be able to buy the church and pay off its debts.

Schuller founded the Crystal Cathedral in 1955, but it fell on hard times in 2008 when the economy collapsed.

Bob Canfield, a member of the church, said at a court hearing two months ago that in-fighting among Schuller's daughters, who have taken over the church since their father retired, is to blame for the congregation's misfortunes.

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