October 24 1994

ARTICLE TOOLS

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Former United Methodist Church (UMC) general counsel Craig Hoskins is suing the denomination's finance agency for $500,000, claiming that he was fired after objecting to his boss's "alcohol-related behavior" and "sexual harassment" of female employees.

oskins, who was general counsel to the UMC's General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) from 1979 until his dismissal on May 16, names supervisor Clifford Droke and the GCFA as defendants.

In his complaint, Hoskins alleges that between 1988 and 1994, Droke's "abuse of alcohol became increasingly problematic." During that period, he claims he also became aware of several "incidents and allegations of sexual harassment" of female employees by Droke.

Hoskins communicated his concern over Droke's behavior in a detailed letter to Droke in April. According to Hoskins, Droke "provided no valid reasons" for his termination the following month and stated only that he acted "in the best interest of the agency and the church."

Stanley Kusper, attorney for the defense, declined to elaborate on the reasons for Hoskins's dismissal, saying the relationship "was no longer in the interests of the GCFA."

Elizabeth Hubbard, Hoskins's attorney, and Al Fifhause, a former GCFA employee, claim Droke's superiors were aware of allegations about Droke's alcohol abuse prior to Hoskins's dismissal.