Episcopal Mistrust Raises Conservatives' Concern
Clergy, Laity Urge Full Accounting in Diocesan Dispute
Anglican laity and clergy in Colorado expressed concern over allegations of financial misconduct against the leader of a breakaway church.
The Steering Committee of The Communion Laity and Clergy of Colorado clarified its understanding of circumstances surrounding the Rev. Donald Armstrong, who was accused by Colorado Bishop Robert O'Neil of theft and mishandling hundreds of thousands of dollars over about 10 years.
"Sadly, mistrust in the councils of the church is at such a low point that it is difficult to know whom to believe during periods when the needs of confidentiality and due process limit communications," said a statement by the conservative laity and clergy group on Monday.
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As parish leaders criticized the action against Armstrong as the product of a "kangaroo court," according to the Associated Press, the accused bishop said he is confident he will be cleared of the accusations.
The allegations, which also says Armstrong failed to report about $548,000 in income and benefits on state and federal tax forms, were made days after the largest parish in the state voted to leave the denomination on Monday. Grace Church and St. Stephen's Parish in Colorado Springs split over the Episcopal Church's liberal direction, parish leaders said, including its position on homosexuality.
Armstrong is rector of the breakaway church. He was suspended by the Colorado Diocese in January and barred from the church property because of investigation. He returned to the church after the vote of departure.
While a recent letter by Armstrong to parishioners stated that the bishop found no money missing after an audit of the church's financial records, diocesan spokeswoman Beckett Stokes told AP that they will continue to pursue the matter through "the appropriate canonical process."
"Whatever the final outcome of these heartbreaking events," concerned clergy and laity stated, "we do not believe that charges have been trumped up and methods embraced to silence an outspoken critic of the diocese."
"We are also ready to acknowledge any evidence that refutes these allegations against our colleague," the conservative group added. "Still we are concerned that the presumption of innocence given him by that same process has been compromised."
Communion Laity and Clergy urged a full and complete accounting and reconciliation be made to the people of the Diocese and congregants of Grace and St. Stephen's parish.
