Diocese of Colorado moves to sue 18 individuals
As the Rocky Mountain News puts it the Diocese of Colorado has "turned up the heat" in its legal tangle with the secessionist group that seized the property of Grace and Holy Trinity Church in Colorado Springs:
The petition asks the court to add 18 people to the diocese's existing countersuit, which is seeking monetary damages as well as repossession of the church.The targeted members include everyone on the parish's governing board as well as the church's main spokesman, Alan Crippen, and its rector of 20 years, the Rev. Don Armstrong.
In its press release announcing the move the diocese states
In accordance with Colorado law, which requires that all essential persons be included in a suit, the Episcopal parish and diocese are requesting that the court add as parties those individuals who have led the secessionist group in taking the property.
Read the Rocky Mountain News coverage here. Read the diocese's press release here.
The diocese also accuses Don Armstrong of financial wrongdoing. An earlier press release dated October 23 stated:
The Bishop has reported the results of the Diocese's investigation to the appropriate legal authorities, has turned over all documents related to the investigation, and is cooperating fully with law enforcement officials. Bishop Robert O’Neill today expressed his confidence that the criminal justice system will respond appropriately.
I find myself wondering whether this is an unintended consequence of the review of the forensic audit and other information paid for by the separating congregation. It seemed to lessen (although not, in my opinion, vitiate) the culpability of the Rev. Armstrong and lay more responsibility with the congregation's auditors and the professionals on the vestry who "should have known better," as it were. So, having suggested that so many others had some culpability, did that report stimulate this change?
Marshall Scott
Posted by mscottsail![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 13, 2007 9:02 PM
1Corinthians 6.1-7, NLT. When one of you has a dispute with another believer, how dare you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter instead of taking it to other believers! Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life. If you have legal disputes about such matters, why go to outside judges who are not respected by the church? I am saying this to shame you. Isn’t there anyone in all the church who is wise enough to decide these issues? But instead, one believer sues another—right in front of unbelievers!
Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?
Posted by Jack Gillespie![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 14, 2007 7:04 AM
A church hierarchy (the Diocese of Colorado) suing its own members illustrates the sickness and dysfunction of that hierarchy. It will not be good for attendance or encouraging new members to join. It is fodder for those who claim that a new reformation is taking place.
Posted by Randy Muller![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 14, 2007 12:36 PM
The Diocese isn't suing its own members. It is suing former members who are attempting to do it material harm.
Posted by Jim Naughton![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 14, 2007 12:46 PM