Some see politics behind probe of Episcopal cleric
The investigation of the Rev. Don Armstrong could stir discord on the right and the left in the diocese.
By Eric Gorski Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Launched: 01/05/2007

While conflict and dissension have defined the Episcopal Church in recent months, all has been quiet in Colorado.

No breakaway parishes. Zero fights over gay clergy. Bishop Rob O'Neill's vision of calm seemed to be taking hold.

Now, the question is whether that will change amid an investigation into whether the state's most prominent conservative cleric misused church funds.

The Rev. Don Armstrong, longtime rector of Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs, has been put on the equivalent of administrative leave while the Colorado diocese investigates the claims, which Armstrong's lawyer said were brought by one person.

Armstrong has denied wrongdoing, and diocesan officials have declined to detail the allegations, citing confidentiality.

But already, conservative Episcopalians on the national level have suggested politics are at work, pointing out that O'Neill takes liberal stances on sexuality issues and has been the target of Armstrong barbs in the past. the rest