BRISTOL, Conn.—Connecticut's Episcopal Diocese has removed the leader of a Bristol parish that left the Episcopal church over the appointment of an openly gay bishop.

The Rev. Donald Lee Helmandollar of Trinity Church has been deposed—the equivalent of being defrocked—and the diocese planned to take over the church's property on July 8, Connecticut Bishop Andrew Smith said July 6.

Trinity's congregation voted itself out of the Episcopal Church earlier this year, becoming one of several nationwide who left their dioceses and joined the more conservative Anglican Church of Nigeria.

Trinity has hired an attorney to fight the diocese's order to vacate the property, Helmandollar said. He also has continued to lead worship services in the church, he said.

The Episcopal Church has splintered nationwide since the 2003 consecration of openly gay bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. Trinity was among six Connecticut parishes that opposed Smith's support of Robinson's election.