Bankrupt US preacher's plea

Crystal Cathedral founder Robert H. Schuller tearfully asked his parishioners for help in overcoming the megachurch's tens of millions in debt.

The Orange County Register says Schuller, 84, made the plea from the pulpit as he spoke publicly for the first time since the church filed for bankruptcy protection last week.

Schuller's church produces the long-running Hour of Power television show.

Citing debts of more than US$43 million ($57 million), the organisation declared bankruptcy last week.