By DEEPA BHARATH and ERIKA I. RITCHIE
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Saddleback Church is in talks with the Crystal Cathedral to buy a 20-acre property where the cathedral has operated a retreat for more than 25 years.
Saddleback Church, headed by Pastor Rick Warren, has been one of several parties interested in purchasing the Rancho Capistrano property nestled in the hills adjacent to the 5 Freeway in San Juan Capistrano, said John Charles, spokesman for the Crystal Cathedral.
“They have shown interest in it ever since that property went up for sale, which was two years ago,” Charles said. “But I don’t know if they have put in an offer or have even toured the property.”
Saddleback Church officials say they have been in discussions for 18 months. However, there is no news to report, said spokesman David Chrzan.
“No agreement has been reached or finalized,” he said.
Crystal Cathedral administrators announced earlier this month that they have started shutting down all operations at their 20-acre campus in Rancho Capistrano, closing a church, preschool, retreat area, soccer fields, camping grounds and a conference and wedding center. The megachurch’s continuing financial woes have led to the sale of various properties, employee layoffs and suspension of its “Glory of Easter” pageant this year. Click here to continue reading.
