Rector of Episcopal church suspended
A prominent local pastor has been barred from his parish while his diocese investigates him for possible misuse of church money, the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado confirmed Wednesday. He is the third Colorado Springs pastor in two months to be forced from his pulpit for alleged wrongdoing.
The Rev. Donald Armstrong, rector for Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, was placed on 90-day paid administrative leave last week by Bishop Robert O’Neill, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado.
He’s not allowed on church property during that time, and “will not exercise any functions or pastoral responsibilities as a priest,” according to a diocesan release.
Armstrong could not be reached for comment, and church officials would not discuss specifics of their allegations. Episcopal canon apparently forbids them from doing so.
The diocese refused to say how much money was in question, how the money may have been misappropriated or whether police are involved.
“This confidentiality exists to protect the interests of all involved while an investigation is ongoing,” diocesan Chancellor Larry Hitt said in the statement.
The suspension was announced to congregants Sunday and a letter is being mailed to congregants.
The Rev. Michael O’Donnell, Grace’s associate rector, said the announcement seemed to leave church members shocked and saddened.
“It feels like a loss, however temporary,” O’Donnell said. “He is the chief shepherd, and him not being here you feel the void.”
Armstrong is the third Colorado Springs pastor during the past two months to be in the spotlight because of improprieties or allegations of wrongdoing.
The Rev. Ted Haggard, senior pastor for New Life Church, was fired in November after a male escort alleged the two had a three-year sexual tryst. Christopher Beard, also on staff at New Life, resigned after revealing he had a “sexual encounter” several years ago.
Grace has 2,500 members, O’Donnell said — a megachurch by most standards and one of the largest Episcopal parishes in the state. It’s sometimes referred to as a “cardinal parish” — a nod to its size and importance.
Armstrong, who has led Grace for 19 years, has been a vocal critic of the broader Episcopal denomination at times, speaking out against the decision to install an openly gay man as a diocesan bishop.
The suspension came after a nine-month investigation into Grace church’s finances by the diocese, Grace officials said.
The diocese cautioned the investigation is ongoing. Armstrong has been cooperative, O’Neill said, and he is presumed to be innocent.
“This is clearly a very difficult time for all who are affected by this investigation,” O’Neill said.
Armstrong’s lawyer, Denverbased attorney Daniel Sears, said he’s conducting his own investigation.
“Certainly I have certain questions as to the merit of a number of these allegations,” he said. “And we will be attempting quite diligently to determine their veracity.”
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