Removal of priest protested
Parishioners 'upset' by action of Episcopal diocese, attorney says
By Jean Torkelson, Rocky Mountain News
January 11, 2007

The attorney for Episcopal priest Don Armstrong plans to raise concerns with the diocese over harsh restrictions imposed on his client while it investigates an allegation of possible misapplication of funds.

"Persons in the parish are extremely upset about the action taken here," said Denver attorney Daniel Sears, adding that he will raise the concerns "at a time we deem appropriate."

He said that many parishioners of Armstrong's 2,400-member Colorado Springs church have contacted him to protest their rector's removal, which was announced during church services on New Year's Eve.

Armstrong, 57, is an outspoken conservative and critic of positions taken in recent years by the Episcopal Church, most notably giving homosexual unions parity with traditional marriage.

He has been forbidden by Bishop Rob O'Neill to appear as a priest or conduct worship services. In addition, he can't speak about the case or have contact with anyone at Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the parish he has led for 19 years and made a national center for the conservative Anglican movement. the rest