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Look Inside: The transformation of the Crystal Cathedral

(RNS) Robert Schuller's Hour of Power ministry surrendered the landmark 1981 Philip Johnson building last year after filing for bankruptcy.
Look Inside: The transformation of the Crystal Cathedral
This rendering shows the sanctuary of Christ Cathedral. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in Garden Grove, Calif. unveiled design plans for the Christ Cathedral, which will address the complex needs of the 1.3 million member diocese. Photo courtesy of Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange
Kevin Eckstrom

(RNS) Roman Catholic leaders in Southern California unveiled designs Wednesday for the transformation of Robert Schuller’s famed Crystal Cathedral into Christ Cathedral, the new mother church for the sprawling Diocese of Orange.

Schuller’s Hour of Power ministry surrendered the landmark 1981 Philip Johnson building last year after filing for bankruptcy. Catholic leaders scooped up the campus for a cool $50 million, and workers are busy transforming the glass-and-steel building into a space more fit for Catholic liturgy. The new Catholic cathedral is scheduled to open in 2016.


Video and photos courtesy of Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.

Click on any photo below to view a slideshow of the Christ Cathedral.

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