U.S. trustee filed objections in bankruptcy court questioning
the need for a $132,019 housing allowance for CFO Fred
Southard.
The trustee also questioned the $70,000 salary for founding
pastor Robert H. Schuller's daughter Gretchen Schuller Penner and
the $55,000 salary of her daughter Neyva Penner Klaassen,
Schuller family members earn more than $1 million in salaries
annually.
The church filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing
debts of more than $43 million.
### "I need more help from you," said Schuller, 84.
"If you are a tither, become a double-tither. If you are not a
tither, become a tither. This ministry has earned your trust. This
ministry has earned your help." ###
The church has said its money troubles are entirely the result
of the recession, but others have blamed the leadership and
succession problems that included a disastrous attempt to hand the
church over to Schuller's son.
Schuller's daughter, Sheila Schuller Coleman, ended up assuming
senior pastor duties.