TLC: Brief Testimony in Presentment Trial of Colorado Priest
08/01/2007

An ecclesiastical court hearing in the Diocese of Colorado adjourned three hours after the trial began July 31 at St. John’s Cathedral in Denver. The Rev. Don Armstrong stands accused of a number of charges, including failing to maintain proper church financial records and diverting church endowment money to himself and his family.

Fr. Armstrong has denied that he is guilty of any financial misconduct and has accused the Rt. Rev. Robert O’Neill, Bishop of Colorado, of instigating a politically motivated vendetta against him.

Neither the defendant nor his lawyer was present for the hearing. Late last week, Fr. Armstrong filed a motion to have the charges against him dropped arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction after he and a majority of members at Grace and St. Stephen’s Church in Colorado Springs voted to leave The Episcopal Church last March. The ecclesiastical court denied the motion. Fr. Armstrong now serves as rector of Grace CANA Church, part of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America. the rest