A woman is suing the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and a local order of Jesuits for at least $300,000, claiming a priest who performed services at a west suburban church "coerced" her into a sexual relationship.
The plaintiff, listed as Jane Doe, was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Parish in west suburban LaGrange when the Jesuit priest "coerced" her into sexual acts in 2003, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in Cook County Circuit Court.
The suit claims the plaintiff and the priest, who is also a licensed clinical psychologist, had a close relationship that included counseling for her depression.
The plaintiff alleges the priest took advantage of her "emotional dependence" and engaged in an ongoing sexual relationship with her.
It also claims negligence on the part of the Chicago Archdiocese and the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus for appointing the priest to a position of influence over parishioners.
A person affiliated with the St. Francis Xavier Parish in LaGrange said the priest assisted with an occasional mass and had been assigned to a church in another state.
The seven-count suit claims negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress and sexual exploitation in psychotherapy.
Chicago Archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Burritt said officials there have not seen the lawsuit and therefore would be unable to comment.
The Chicago Province for the Society of Jesus did not return a call for comment Friday evening.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:54 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:54:21 GMT
A one-of-a-kind Chicago Public School is doing very well amid the controversy surrounding CPS closures, and the final Chicago Board of Education vote on the plan scheduled for Wednesday.
A one-of-a-kind Chicago Public School is doing very well amid the controversy surrounding CPS closures, and the final Chicago Board of Education vote on the plan scheduled for Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:53:15 GMT
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
