Priest leaves, faithful follow
Differing opinions with Livonia church prompt exit of Kannapell, who is leading services at a hotel.
Catherine Jun / The Detroit News

LIVONIA -- In a conference room at the Holiday Inn near Interstate 275, a table placed atop a riser is a makeshift altar, and the Rev. C. Allen Kannapell raises a donated bronze chalice.

Without prayer books or hymnals, about 190 people gathered Sunday for a service in the most uncharacteristic of settings, drawn by their faith and their breakaway pastor, who recently was cast out of nearby St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

On Jan. 7, Kannapell was suspended by the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and ordered to leave the church on Hubbard, after Kannapell threatened to leave the Episcopal Church.

"We got thrown out, but we were ready to leave," said Kannapell, 36. Story!