Crystal Cathedral Bans Homosexuality in Choir, Christian News, The Christian Post

Crystal Cathedral Bans Homosexuality in Choir
By Audrey Barrick|Christian Post Reporter


The Crystal Cathedral in Southern California has taken the surprising step of asking its choir members to model a biblical lifestyle, which would include abstaining from homosexual behavior.


This is reportedly the first time the Garden Grove megachurch is asking the choir to sign a covenant, particularly one that takes a stance against homosexuality.

And apparently, choir members are not happy about it.

In a statement Tuesday regarding the covenant, Crystal Cathedral Senior Pastor Sheila Schuller Coleman said dialogue over "reconciling love and adherence to God's Word" has led to a number of people being hurt.

"We are sincerely sorry," she stated.

"It is true that our new choir covenant includes a definition of marriage that may have contributed to the hurt."


According to The Orange County Register, part of the covenant states: "I understand that in an era where images of family relationship and personal sexuality are often confused, Crystal Cathedral Ministries believes that it is important to teach and model the biblical view. I understand that Crystal Cathedral Ministries teaches that sexual intimacy is intended by God to only be within the bonds of marriage, between one man and one woman."

Coleman explained that the covenant clarifies expectations placed on staff and volunteers and is part of an "ongoing effort to grow the leadership."

"[A]ll ministry leaders are expected to live a lifestyle exempt from sexual immorality ... because these are improper for the Lord's people," she said.

She also added that the church adheres to the traditional definition of marriage that its denomination – The Reformed Church in America – affirms. The RCA currently does not affirm homosexual behavior and holds that it is contrary to the will of God.

Notably, the Crystal Cathedral is known for its positive messages and de-emphasis on sin. Founder Robert H. Schuller chose to depart from the messages he grew up with – a bunch of "not to do's" – and preach instead in ways that would lift people up and build their faith.



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