Friends of the bishop came - they know the game - bump up the numbers - people like the former dean of the cathedral. The media didn't look at all the suits milling around.

Right off, anyone from St. John's would know, 'cause our family doesn't generally wear suits, we're more casual than that. They never asked the questions. If they had they would have known.

They would have known that the previous Sunday - a lazy, hot summer Sunday - there were almost 100 members of the family there worshipping.

Worshipping and sharing and planning Bible studies and doing fundraisers and yes, gossiping and crabbing about this and that, just the way families do. If the media had asked they would have known that on this day only 18 of their members walked through the front and back doors. I know - I counted them.

The interloping priest came out. She smiled at the cameras - said with a straight face how wonderful a service it was - "60 came to worship!" she proclaimed, as if she didn't know that half those new people were her own supporters, and the other the Bishop's. The Hartford paper had a picture of her shaking hands with someone. The caption read "McCone greets parishioner." You guessed it. It wasn't.

Most of the parishioners avoided the press. I wonder what it felt like worshipping with all those strangers. Some of them snuck out the kitchen door, some out the back. It would have broken their family's heart to see them there that day, and down deep they knew it.

The rest of the family was gathered over at their sister Church in Bristol –Trinity (one of the CTSix). Their priest for the sabbatical, Fr. Knapp from Western Mass. was there too. His wonderful sermon which so encouraged them is posted around. Almost 70 of the family was there, along with Fr. Don Helmandollar's family of faith. All said it was a joyful celebration of the Lord and a great comfort.

Yes, those who were at Trinity would have been broken-hearted if they had seen the scene at their home. For you see, this wasn't about a priest. Yes, there is great outrage, as there should be, at the unjustified actions by the bishop against Dr. Hansen. They, and Father, had known what might come, for hadn't the bishop warned them of it? And they were ready to deal with it. But like I said, this wasn't about a priest. This was about fear.

The bishop knew about St. John's. He has had his minions studying and gathering and spying and ratting on the family. And he must have been AFRAID.

Why?

Because the family is strong.

St. John's is a vital, thriving parish. New people all the time. Bible studies stronger and more vital than ever. Amazing determination. A beautiful new building built on the day-to-day earnings of just regular joes who love the Lord. Host of an annual city-wide Church Festival of outreach where every penny goes to the needy. They've never missed a mortgage payment to the bank in 4 years [the "they haven't paid the 2nd mortgage to the diocese" is a red herring - but let's leave that for another time]. A Purpose-Driven-Life parish. Yes, the family is strong.

Such strength must have scared him. So what do men like drew smith think they must do when they face such strength? They set out to CRUSH it.

And so, instead of dealing with the priest in a straightforward manner, he made up excuses to remove him (everyone knows this isn't about administrative issues or sabbaticals - another cowardly thing on his part), and then...he stole an entire Parish.

You know how he did it. You've read all the reports. His actions said they were all criminals and must be barred from the building. Lock the doors, post the guards! Walk with them every second if they try to come in. The Deacon came to get her vestments. She had to ask to go in to pray - and then the guard kept watch the whole time.

Watch them as they pray! lest they... what?

Change the worship style. The woman priest said there is too much kneeling and they should have incense. The words of the Prayerbook must need modifying.

There are those that think if they just work with him and her they will get their parish back. That is the one way they will not. For you see, they did not lose their parish - it was over on Summer St. for the day. And perhaps next week it will be somewhere else.

He did take your building, the family's home, though he had no right to. If he wanted you there now, he would never have locked you out in the first place. She will have a new, small group who will put the [her words]"religious right" in their place.

But the family is STRONG. And if there is any chance of getting their building back, then strong and united is how the family must stay.

And the guards are still there.

Signed: A Relative

The author asked to remain anonymous for obvious reasons.