Crystal Cathedral filed for bankruptcy protection from court

In Garden Grove, California, the Crystal Cathedral, founded by televangelist the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, filed for bankruptcy on Friday. The megachurch is looking to get out from under its debts by selling the church and grounds for a proposed $47 million from a local real-estate group.

Reportedly, the plan would allow the church to lease back most of its core buildings for the next 15 years, so congregants would not overtly notice a change in either worship or outreach services provided by the church.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Death toll mounts in wake of Joplin tornado

The death toll from a gigantic tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, has risen to 132, as of today. According to local government officials, the death toll rose by more than 60 between today and yesterday. Still, officials are working around-the-clock to account for those missing.

Fortunately, about 90 people who were originally listed as missing were found alive, heartening rescuers about the ability of finding even more people alive in the wake of the storm. Authorities say they believe many of those who are still missing are believed to be alive and safe, though out of contact with their family and loved ones.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

PCUSA vote opens up door to the ordination of gay clergy

In a dramatic 205-56 vote, openly gay people can now be ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA, after a regional decision on May 10. With the support of the Twin Cities region of the denomination, Amendment 10A won the approval of 87 of PCUSA's 173 presbyteries, which amounts to a simple majority.

Previously, in 1997, PCUSA adopted a statute that mandated all Presbyterian clergy "to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman" or to "observe chastity in singleness."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Ex-Nazi death camp guard convicted in Munich courtroom

A 91-year-old retired U.S. automobile worker was convicted on Thursday of being an accessory to the deaths of 28,060 prisoners at the Sobibor death camp, in Poland, for six months in 1943. John Demjanjuk was sentenced to five years in prison, but has been released pending his appeal of the conviction.

Demjanjuk's case was heard in a Munich, Germany courtroom. Demjanjuk was born in the Ukrain and served as a Soviet Army soldier until being captured by the Germans in the Crimea in 1942. Subsequently, he agreed to serve as a "Wachmann," or guard, who was subordinate to German SS men.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

'Leadership without Borders' to be held May 17 at Yale Club

Intersections International Power and Values Project is presenting "Leadership without Borders: Globalization and the Quest for Freedom" on Tuesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yale Club, 50 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY.

Full-day registration for the event is $400, with an additional $9.95 fee. The half-day registration for the event is $200, with an additional $11.99 fee. Sales for the event conclude on May 17.

Speakers at the event include: Heather Schultz, vice president at Senn Delaney; Tachi Kiuchi, the renowned evangelist and former CEO for Mitsubishi Electric America; Dr. Jacob Needleman, a philosopher and auth of The American Soul; Alan Lurie, managing director for Grubb & Ellis NYC and George Bickerstaff, entrepreneur and former CEO of Novartis.