In Conn. diocese if you don't pay you don't stay - WTNH.com

"A spokesperson for the archdiocese says the priests have failed to meet their financial obligation to the diocese."

Wow. I did not realize that in the Episcopal Church membership has its obligations. I thought grace was unlimited and a parish could take without giving back to the diocese.

UPDATE from The Advocate: "Diocesan officials contend that the six parishes have failed to meet their financial obligation to the diocese and are asking for control over who is ordained, which Smith is not willing to cede. The diocese took the issue to the Standing Committee, a group of elected clergy members and laypeople that acts as an advisory panel for the bishop. The committee concluded March 29 that the six priests were acting out of communion with church canons."

The Advocate report also states that their bishop is threatening to "defrock" them. Is that what they are threatened with? I don't think so.