Members of four former congregations of The Episcopal Church were among six churches welcomed into the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) recently, according to a press release.

Trinity Church, Bristol, Conn., is one of the so-called “Connecticut Six” parishes that have been involved in a public dispute with the Bishop of Connecticut, the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith. The parishes have not supported the diocese financially for the past two years. The Rev. Donald Helmandollar, rector of Trinity, told the Bristol Press he had sent a letter May 29 informing Bishop Smith of the parish’s decision. Bishop Smith said he had not yet seen the letter and therefore had no comment.

The parish of Trinity was founded in 1754, prior to the organization of The Episcopal Church. The Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns, missionary bishop of CANA, told the Press that the congregation probably would claim ownership of the church property.

A portion of the congregation of Grace and St. Stephen’s, Colorado Springs, concluded voting May 27 with members of the vestry loyal to the Rev. Don Armstrong reporting more than 90 percent approving of the decision to affiliate with CANA. Fr. Armstrong is under a presentment, the ecclesiastical equivalent of an indictment for allegedly misappropriating church funds -- a charge Fr. Armstrong claims is politically motivated. The parish split in March, with those remaining loyal to the diocese now worshiping at another location. Ownership of the historic church property is in civil litigation.

A new congregation, Christ the King, St. Augustine, Fla., was formed initially by members of St. Cyprian Episcopal Church. They separated from the Diocese of Florida after a 40-day period of discernment. The congregation of approximately 100 is led by the Rev. David Allert, rector.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Garland, Texas, is a new congregation formed initially by members of Holy Trinity Episcopal in Garland. After spending more than a year wrestling with issues prompted by the crisis in The Episcopal Church, this congregation made its decision to separate from the Diocese of Dallas and join CANA.

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