Episcopal Parishes File Federal Suit Over Gay Bishop

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/09/092805episcopal.htm

Six Episcopal parishes at the center of a dispute over gay clergy filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday alleging that their civil rights have been violated by Connecticut's bishop, the head of the U.S. Episcopal Church and others.

The conflict stems from Connecticut Bishop Andrew Smith's support for the Rev. V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, the church's first openly gay bishop. Robinson's 2003 consecration has divided the U.S. Episcopal Church and expanded the rift over gay issues among churches in the global Anglican Communion.

The six priests had asked to be supervised by a different bishop because they disagreed with Smith's support for Robinson.