A Colorado Springs Episcopal priest – an outspoken leader in the church’s conservative wing – has been put on leave while the Colorado Episcopal Diocese investigates allegations that he misused church funds, diocese officials said Wednesday.
Citing church law confidentiality requirements, diocese officials would not provide details of the allegations against the Rev. Don Armstrong, rector of the 2,400-member Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
But Armstrong’s lawyer, Daniel Sears of Denver, said Armstrong denies the allegations and looks forward to “a fair and speedy resolution.” Sears said a “single complainant” triggered the inquiry, which a parish official said began at least nine months ago.
Reached on his cellphone at a meeting of conservative Anglicans in Houston, Armstrong said he is forbidden to speak about the case as part of his “temporary inhibition” from ministry. The inhibition is the equivalent of administrative leave.
Armstrong, 57, has served as rector of the Colorado Springs church, one of the state’s largest parishes, for two decades.
Armstrong also leads a conservative think tank called the Anglican Communion Institute and helped orchestrate a collection- plate protest following the elevation of the Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop in 2003.
Armstrong has picked fights with Colorado Bishop Rob O’Neill over O’Neill’s support of gay clergy and same-sex unions.
The diocese said it took action against Armstrong based on a “preliminary report” of an investigation into “possible misapplication of church funds.” The diocese said Armstrong has cooperated and is presumed innocent.
“This is clearly a very difficult time for all who are affected by this investigation,” O’Neill said in a statement. “My immediate concerns are for the welfare of the vestry, staff and congregation at Grace and St. Stephen’s, for Father Armstrong and his family, and for the appropriate and timely conclusion of the investigation.”
O’Neill has met with church leaders, and parishioners were told Sunday, diocese spokeswoman Beckett Stokes said. She said the diocese has not contacted law enforcement because “at this point, it’s just an allegation.” She could not say how long the investigation would last, adding that Armstrong is on paid leave.
Armstrong has temporarily stepped down as rector, or head of his parish. The church vestry, or board, has taken over that role. Armstrong also may not minister as a priest.
Lawyer Sears said that Armstrong is barred from appearing in public as a priest, visiting church grounds or having contact with church members.
“We regret the timing of this action during the holiday season,” Sears said.
Marge Goss, who as senior warden is the highest-ranking lay person at Grace and St. Stephen’s, said the church provided diocesan investigators with financial records in March.
“The bishop’s office has kept this very confidential,” she said. “The vestry has not been given a copy of the allegations so we don’t know a whole lot.”
Goss praised Armstrong as a “very dear and loyal soul” who grew the parish from 600 to 2,400 people while other Episcopal churches have declined.
The Rev. Michael O’Donnell, an associate rector, said parishioners “feel a loss in their chief shepherd” and have sent Armstrong notes of concern.
Staff writer Eric Gorski can be reached at 303-954-1698 or egorski@denverpost.com.
