WATERTOWN, Conn.—The entire congregation of Christ Church in Watertown has abandoned the church, founded in 1764, and is severing ties with the national Episcopal Church.

It held its last service in the church Dec. 30 and future services of the newly named New Hope Anglican Church will be held in a community room at a nearby bank.

Christ Church is one of the “Connecticut six,” the half-dozen churches in the state diocese that disagree with national leadership on departure of scripture, including the appointment of a gay bishop.

In 2003, Benedict and several other Connecticut rectors clashed with Connecticut Bishop Andrew D. Smith, who supported the naming of V. Gene Robinson as New Hampshire’s bishop. Robinson is gay. Benedict and Christ Church leaders also feel the national church is rejecting scriptural authority and traditions of the church.

In cutting affiliation with the national leaders, the congregation has agreed to give up its church buildings and property, estimated to be worth $7 million, and its name, “Christ Church Parish.”