Panel of Reference Declines to Hear 'Ct Six' Appeal
05/16/2006

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference will not hear the petition for review filed by the so-called “Ct Six,” saying that the federal lawsuit between the clergy and lay leaders of six Connecticut congregations and the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, Bishop of Connecticut, bars consideration.

In a statement released May 15, the panel said “as a matter of principle” it “would not normally consider references where civil cases are proceeding.”

On Sept. 27, five rectors and the vestries of six Connecticut parishes filed suit in the U.S. District Court for Connecticut against Bishop Smith and the diocese, charging fraud, trespass, and breach of fiduciary duty. Previously, on Aug. 24, 19 lay leaders and priests from St. John’s, Bristol; Trinity, Bristol; St. Paul’s, Darien; Christ and Epiphany, East Haven; Bishop Seabury Church, Groton; and Christ Church, Watertown, lodged a complaint with the office of the Presiding Bishop, accusing Bishop Smith of improperly removing the Rev. Mark H. Hansen as rector of St. John’s, Bristol, changing the locks and seizing control of day-to-day operation. the rest