Connecticut Six rift in state continues
Posted At : November 16, 2006
Connecticut Six

The long-standing conflict between the state's Episcopal bishop and six conservative parishes, including one in Darien, continued after both sides failed this week to settle a civil appeal filed by the parishes.

On Tuesday, lawyers for both sides participated in a pre-argument conference call with the U.S. Court of Appeals Second Circuit of New York, a mandatory step in civil appeal cases.

"That was unproductive," said attorney Ralph Dupont, who represents the six parishes that are seeking several million dollars in damages. He said the case will proceed to the appellate court, with arguments scheduled to begin early next year. He added that they plan to file a new suit in Connecticut's Superior Court as the federal suit progresses.

The six parishes - known as the Connecticut Six - filed a civil suit in September 2005 against Bishop Andrew Smith, saying he had violated their civil and property rights after they sought to break away from his authority after Smith supported the election of an openly gay bishop.

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