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.
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.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:58 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:58:01 GMT
The new normal begins Thursday for Chicago Public Schools following a fiery and painful public debate over school closings. The school board voted to close 49 CPS schools in June, and one next year.
The new normal begins Thursday for Chicago Public Schools following a fiery and painful public debate over school closings. The school board voted to close 49 CPS schools in June, and one next year.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:44:07 GMT
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Illinois legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns has passed the House Judiciary Committee. It was a compromise backed by Speaker Michael Madigan.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:16 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:16:31 GMT
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is one of the hottest local breweries in the area, and is featured in the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week 2013.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:00:07 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:03:10 GMT
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
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