Colorado Episcopal raises allegations of financial misconduct against breakaway parish leader
The Associated Press
Published: March 28, 2007

DENVER: The leader of a conservative breakaway Episcopal parish will face allegations of financial misconduct in the Colorado Diocese judicial system, officials said Wednesday amid an escalating dispute over homosexuality and other issues.

The diocese also said it may take action in state court to reclaim the parish property if leaders do not relinquish their claims to it.

Leaders of Grace Church and St. Stephen's Parish in Colorado Springs, the state's largest Episcopal parish, voted Monday to leave the denomination and join a conservative Anglican church based in Nigeria. They were upset over what they considered the liberal theological direction of the national church, particularly its acceptance of homosexuality.

They also criticized the "kangaroo court" investigation of their rector, the Rev. Donald Armstrong, over allegations of financial improprieties. The diocese suspended him Jan. 3 and barred him from the parish property because of the investigation. the rest