Firings Upset Backers of Women’s Group

NEW YORK — A church women’s group committed to interdenominational harmony sounded a note of discord when it fired half its staff before Christmas. Now at least two member organizations are considering withdrawing funds.

Earlier this month, the board of the New York-based Church Women United abruptly fired or asked for the resignations of Executive Director Kathleen Hurty and six other employees.

In a letter to the group’s more than 100 members, Hurty said that she had resigned under duress.

Last week, United Methodist Women, Church Women United’s largest contributor, decided to suspend its $32,525 annual contribution “until there is a clear direction set for the national organization and the justice issues regarding the firing of seven staff is resolved.”