Church leader rebuts financial allegations
Monday, April 16, 2007

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- The leader of a breakaway Episcopal parish defended himself against allegations of financial misconduct Saturday, as a theological think tank that he oversees said it was distancing itself from him.

The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado moved in December to suspend the Rev. Donald Armstrong from Grace Church and St. Stephen's Parish over the allegations.

Last month, Armstrong returned after the church vestry voted to leave the Episcopal Church, saying they were upset over the liberal theological direction of the national church, including its stance on gay relationships.

The diocese has not recognized the split, and not all church members support it. About 200 of the church's 800 regular attendees worship at a different chapel. the rest