(ACNS sources/CT) The Anglican Church of Australia in the Torres Strait Islands has lost many of its clergy and lay membership and all 20 students at its Torres Strait theological college in a dispute over the consecration of a bishop some locals say they do not want.

An estimated 23 of 27 ordained priests, nine deacons and large numbers of parishioners from island and North Queensland parishes are said to have resigned over the appointment of Ted Mosby as bishop, who was chosen despite withdrawing his candidature.

The disaffected Anglicans have formed a new Church, The Church of Torres Strait, with links to the American-based Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC), which has 32 priests in Australia.

There are now threats of legal action by the new Church against the Anglicans to recover about $1 million in investments, an estimated $100,000 in trust funds and rights to leases on church properties.