Steals Money From Church - Clergyman's Conviction

[dallasvic]

Church court doesn't budge on conviction of clergyman

October 2, 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS - An ecclesiastical court Monday affirmed its conviction of the Rev. Donald Armstrong, who is accused of stealing nearly $400,000 from Grace Church & St. Stephen's parish.
The court, representing the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, also recommended that Armstrong be defrocked. The ruling followed a 30-day comment period after its preliminary decision to convict Armstrong in August.
After another 30-day waiting period, Bishop Robert O'Neill will pronounce a final sentence.
Armstrong left the diocese with most of the Grace vestry in March and oversees the congregation of Grace CANA Church, affiliated with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America.
Grace CANA officials did not return calls Monday. Armstrong has denied the allegations. And because he is now an ordained priest with CANA, the Episcopal Church has no authority over him. He did not attend the trial.
The five-member court, made up of clergy and lay church members, accused Armstrong of several financial transgressions. The diocese filed a complaint with Colorado Springs police in July. Police said Monday the investigation is ongoing.