Because Schuller did such a good job the first time . . .

Crystal Cathedral Ministries' board of directors have "reluctantly" endorsed Chapman University's proposal to buy the 40-acre church campus for $50 million, church officials said Wednesday.

The committee of creditors to whom the Crystal Cathedral owes millions endorsed proposals submitted both by Chapman University and the diocese. However, the diocese's plan does not not give the cathedral an option to buy back the core buildings.

Doti said Chapman's $50 million offer stands. Its proposal was tweaked to change the buyback period from four to five years so the church will have one additional year to come up with the $23.5 million needed to buy back some of the core buildings, he said.

So . . . the Reformation can continue in Garden Grove.  No Popery will disgrae the buildings.

So . . . the Schullers can get another bite at the apple at running McChurch.  And if Dad isn't around, Sheila is.

So . . . Tod Brown will not leave any legacy of catherdral-building unless the Pope extends his tenure as Bishop of Orange and big money donors cough some up.  Which isn't likely.

So the next big question for Catholics in the Diocese of Orange is what happens after November 15th.  Tod turns 75 and by canon law, must tender his retirement to the Pope.