Mikhail Gorbachev discusses affection for Jesus Christ with Dr Robert H. Schuller.

Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California October 15, 2000

Mikhail Gorbachev, the former world leader of atheistic communism came to the Crystal Cathedral Church services this past Sunday, the guest of his long time friend, Dr. Robert Schuller. His daughter Irina Virginskaya accompanied him.

He gave his first in depth interview on religion to his friend, Dr Robert Schuller, during Sunday morning services at the Crystal Cathedral. The interview will be streamed on the Internet from the Hour of Power web site (http://www.hourofpower.org) starting Friday, October 20, 2000. It will also be broadcast on the Hour of Power television program across America on Sunday, October 22, 2000.

There is one thing I dont agree with you," Dr. Schuller said, You claim to be an atheist, but I dont believe you. You are not an atheist. You keep referring with such respect and affection to Jesus Christ and anyone who respects Jesus Christ cannot call himself an atheist."

How do you explain, Mr. Gorbachev," Dr. Schuller added. We have two brilliant young people in this church this morning, people who were indoctrinated all their lives in atheistic communism in the University of Moscow and are both here today as believers in God. One is sitting in the front row -- your daughter, Irina, a doctor of medical science."

Gorbachevs eyes filled with tears many times in the church service and his love and respect for Christ came through loud and clear with his lips as well as his eyes," recalled Schuller.

The affection and respect and the comradeship was warm and close between Gorbachev and Schuller. They first met in 1989 when Gorbachev put Schuller on television, Sunday night, December 25, 1989 at 9pm. Dr Schuller became the first person to be allowed to preach a sermon on channel one -- the only channel committed to spread atheism to what was then the USSR.

When asked about the interview Dr Schuller said, I think weve seen a historic moment in the evolution of attitude toward God and religion."

Entering the thirty-first year on television, the Hour of Power (also known as Robert Schuller from the Crystal Cathedral) is a one-hour international television program, which emanates form the weekly worship services at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. During each program Dr. Schuller shares his message of positive theology and interviews dynamic individuals whose life experiences exemplify positive thinking."

The Hour of Power web site is the most unique inspirational destination on the Internet today featuring streaming video and daily devotions written by Dr. Robert H. Schuller. The web site is also host to an online community and free online counseling for people in need of Faith, Hope and Love.

http://www.hourofpower.org

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