Rev. Schuller’s Flight Dispute

It must have been a miracle! I know that the Rev. Robert Schuller is in good physical shape, but in a twist stranger than fiction, it seems that he is comparatively stronger and more amazing than Evander Holyfield.

According to The Times’ article July 2, it’s been alleged that the renowned 70-year-old minister “pushed” and “injured” a 35-year-old male flight attendant. This is a remarkable feat for the congenial creator of the Crystal Cathedral.

The attendant remains anonymous while his charges against Schuller are publicized. The FBI was called in to detain and question the doctor and first-class passengers on a United Airlines plane (for five hours).

No charges were filed against the man who heals rifts between nations and heads of state. If there had been any evidence or witnesses, can anyone doubt that there would have been an arrest? That didn’t happen.

Filing a false report is a serious crime. The attendant’s alleged injuries--”whiplash” and “muscle spasms”--are the type that cannot be proven. Where are his bruises? Why does this accuser not come forward to face Schuller’s supporters? How ironic and symbolic that this all occurred in connection with a religious robe and a few grapes.

This incident is an obvious attempt to harm the reputation of the influential minister. Who is behind this shameful scheme? An anti-religious force, powerful and active in this world, must be feeling very threatened.

CAROL LAFOLLETTE

Los Angeles

* It seems that a wrinkle-prone robe and the absence of a cheese-free dessert plate has sparked an altercation between Rev. Robert Schuller and a flight attendant, leading to a circling of the wagons by all connected with the Crystal Cathedral and causing a media frenzy.

What with Schuller’s five-hour interview with the FBI and the cranking up of his well-oiled public relations machine on TV to present his side of the fracas, one wonders in the interest of equal time if the flight attendant involved will enjoy equal opportunity.

Can he too, tell on TV and in tabloids his testimony of the traumatic tussle? Will he have access to a lawyer with assets of $50 million? If he repents, will he be redeemed for rashly rebuking the rigid wrinkled robe regulation repeatedly? Can he gather hundreds of airline associates in a cathedral-sized airplane hangar to explain the matter, and telephone President Clinton?

It was stated that Schuller is described as a “touchy-feely” type. Perhaps some people feel touchy about such touchy types. Hollywood has the best solution to avoid such future altercations: Batman always wears his cape when flying.

W.M. LAWSON

Costa Mesa

* I read your article, “A Bumpy Landing for Rev. Schuller,” and I was saddened that you chose to give this story front-page coverage. It seemed to me that Rev. Robert Schuller was trying to put a spin on his story by using God.

I am a 100,000-mile flier on United, and I’ve never encountered an unprofessional United flight attendant.

JAMES KELLY

Laguna Beach

* What happened to the “Friendly Skies” of United?

E. WAYNE MC ADAMS

Garden Grove

* So, assuming what the United Airlines crew member says is true; when Schuller comments on those events during services, does that make the Crystal Cathedral a bully pulpit?

JOHN HAYTOL

Newport Beach