All Saints Priest, Parish Continue To Defy Diocese

(Irondequoit, NY) 01/30/06 -- An Episcopal priest from Irondequoit continues to defy an order to step away from his position.

A few days ago, the Episcopal Diocese Of Rochester inhibited The Reverend David Harnish. He is banned from performing duties or leading Sunday services for the next six months.

However, Harnish says he is now under the Anglican Church of Uganda which allows him to carry on. He has also renamed the church to All Saints Anglican.

"It's unfortunate authority here, former authority does not see and recognize the authority of primate of church," he said.

The dispute between the parish and the diocese began when the parish protested the ordination of a gay bishop in New Hampshire.

The All Saints Property still belongs to the Rochester Episcopal Diocese, but the diocese says it has no plans to lock out Harnish and his parishioners.

Bishop Jack Mckelvey said he is concerned about church records and wants all paperwork about weddings, baptisms, and funerals returned to the diocese. story