New York
Retired bishop of New York Richard Grein has been charged with violating canons of the Episcopal Church and the diocese in connection with the firing of the vicar of Grace Church, New York.
Rev. Janet Kraft was fired and replaced with Rev. Anne Richards, who was described in an ecclesiastical complaint as a close personal friend of Bishop Grein and a former assistant in the bishop’s office. Bishop Grein retired June 30.
The charges against Bishop Grein are: violating the canons, violation of his ordination vows and with conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. Three clergy and eight members of Grace Church signed the complaint.
Ms. Kraft has also filed a civil action against Grace Church. Her complaint alleges breach of contract, wrongful discharge, wrongful denial of employment benefits and defamation.
It also charges Bishop Grein, Rev. David Rider, priest-in-charge at Grace, and Ms. Richards with a conspiracy to interfere with Ms. Kraft’s employment.
