A second lawsuit has been filed in New Jersey against the former dean of Trinity Cathedral in Trenton, the Very Rev. J. Chester Grey. Nine current and former maintenance employees alleged a pattern of sexual abuse exploiting their status as "young, vulnerable black males," and using knowledge of personal problems to coerce sexual favors, according to court affidavits.

According to the lawsuit, as reported in the Trenton Times, "two of the plaintiffs, both Liberian nationals, said [Fr.] Grey used their immigration status as leverage to request sexual favors." The suit claims that one man had been threatened with jail if he did not acquiesce. Some of the men said Fr. Grey initially counseled them.

The Rt. Rev. Joe Morris Doss, Bishop of New Jersey, canon to the ordinary Jane Henderson, and financial officer Charles Perfator are also named in this suit. The lawsuit states that one of the plaintiffs informed Canon Henderson of incidents of harassment and molestation, that she passed on the information to Bishop Doss and others in "the church hierarchy," but that no action was taken.

The suit further claims a pattern of racial discrimination, stating that diocesan policies governing sexual misconduct were explained to "mostly white clerical and professional staff" but not to maintenance and grounds workers who were most often black or Hispanic. According to the Times, professional and clerical staff were offered counseling when Fr. Grey resigned and the initial sexual harassment suit was filed [TLC, June 16]. In that lawsuit, Jerome Browne, a former maintenance employee of the cathedral, claims he was fired because he was unwilling to provide sexual favors to the dean.

Anne McHugh, speaking as attorney for plaintiffs in the second lawsuit, said, "Not one of my clients, all of whom had been victimized, were offered these services." Neva Ray Fox, public relations officer for the diocese, said the bishop had made counseling available to "all cathedral employees."

Bishop Doss met with the Trinity congregation and with diocesan clergy to discuss the matter. In a press release, he offered assurance that the cathedral will continue "our faithful worship, important social programs and other services."

The bishop said Fr. Grey "is being evaluated at a mental health facility" somewhere outside of New Jersey.