Episcopal bishop removes Bristol priest, claims church property

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--priestremoval0630jun30,0,6540002.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut

[Newsday.com] 30 June 2007--Connecticut's Episcopal Diocese has removed the leader of a Bristol parish that left the Episcopal church over the appointment of an openly gay bishop.

The Rev. Donald Lee Helmandollar of Trinity Church has been deposed _ the equivalent of being defrocked _ and the diocese will take over the church's property on July 8, Connecticut Bishop Andrew Smith said Friday.

Trinity's congregation voted itself out of the Episcopal Church earlier this year, becoming one of several nationwide who left their dioceses and joined the more conservative Anglican Church of Nigeria.

Trinity has hired an attorney to fight the diocese's order to vacate the property, Helmandollar said Friday. He also has continued to lead worship services in the church, he said.