The Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare, Most Rev Richard Clarke has been sub-poenaoed to appear before a local diocesan court today.
It is hearing a case against the rector of Clane, Rev David Frazer, who has been accused of "conduct unbecoming to the sacred office of a clergyman" by parishioners and select vestry members. The court, will sit in Moyglare Church, Maynooth, Co Kildare from 9.30 this morning.
In a petition to the diocesan court it is alleged Rev Frazer attempted "to usurp the lawful authority of the select vestry" and to frustrate its business. It is further alleged that he subjected vestry members to "unprovoked, unwarranted, aggressive and inappropriate verbal abuse" and that he referred to one member as "a f***ing bastard".
He was also said to have described vestry members as "sometimes mad, sometimes bad and anything but Christian", who were also "bullies", guilty of a "threatening and underhand motive" and of "silly behaviour".
As regards Bishop Clarke the vestry members claim Rev Frazer wrote "as to all this business of running to the Bishop and Archdeacon (Patrick Lawrence), it's not only pathetic, but is amusing as well. I care not one whit for what either of them have to say or think. Mind you, I rarely hear what they say. Like all in 'higher positions' within the Church of Ireland, they will bury their heads. They will make soothing sounds to one group and do the same to the next caller - be it me or someone else.
"The Bishop has shown himself unwilling and unable to assist any of us in a practical, even handed and truly caring way. It may interest you to know that I haven't spoken to the man for weeks and not properly for months. For the last four weeks, I have been ill and in that time I have received not one card, get well wish or call from him. Pastoral care and concern, eh?! A missing father in God, I'm afraid and I shall be telling him so, next time I speak to him. That's the Church of Ireland for you, Susan. No real love or concern . . ." Vestry members considered such sentiments "rude and derogatory" and as displaying "a lack of respect for the authority of his Bishop and Archdeacon respectively . . ."
Rev Frazer is being represented by Mr Joe Revington SC. Mr Revington represented the former Dean of Clonmannoise and Rector of Trim and Athboy, Rev Andrew Furlong, at a Court of the Church of Ireland General Synod earlier this year. That case was settled out of court last May when the Rev Furlong, who rejected the divinity of Christ, agreed to leave his posts in the diocese of Meath and Kildare. The case concerning Rev Frazer is being heard before the diocesan Chancellor Mr Peter Prentice, Dean Robert Townley of Kildare, and layman, Mr Stephen Strong.
