Woman sues archdiocese, alleges priest initiated sexual relationship in '08

A woman has sued the Archdiocese of Chicago, alleging that a priest initiated a sexual relationship with her in 2008 when he was supposed to be acting as her grief counselor.

The married woman, whose identity wasn't disclosed, alleged that the priest began the sexual relationship days after her terminally ill mother was admitted in November 2008 to the Rainbow Hospice in Chicago and continued the affair for several months after her mother died.

The woman alleged that the priest did not "responsibly manage" her emotional dependence and instead seduced, manipulated and sexually exploited her when she was in a vulnerable state, according to the lawsuit filed Friday in Cook County Circuit Court.

The Tribune is not naming the priest because he has not been charged with a crime.

When the woman's husband complained to the archdiocese in December 2008, the lawsuit said, church officials did nothing.

A spokeswoman with the Chicago archdiocese confirmed that the priest works for the archdiocese but declined to comment on the lawsuit.

At a news conference Monday, members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests called on the archdiocese to take action.

"At the bare minimum, they should remove the priest … while the lawsuit is pending," said SNAP president Barbara Blaine.

A spokesman for Rainbow Hospice confirmed that the priest worked there but that the hospice fired him after they learned of the allegations involving the woman.