The Catholic Diocese of Arlington has been named in a priest abuse lawsuit for its failure to protect a woman from a priest's sexual molestations during a two-year exorcism, as reported by the Miami Herald.
The suit was filed in June in the Arlington County Circuit Court and is asking for over $5.3 million in damages.
Along with the diocese, also named in the suit is the bishop, and an anti-abortion ministry that the priest was hired by to perform exorcisms.
The woman, known as Jane Doe in the suit, sought out spiritual help from Rev. T.E. in February of 2008. At the time Rev. T.E. was the president of Life International Inc. based in Front Royal. Rev. T.E. knew that Doe, according to the suit, required an exorcism.
After having Doe sign an agreement that allegedly promised her full cooperation, Rev. T.E. began working on her "severe" case.
Doe states in the suit that during her sessions with Rev. T.E., he often touched her inappropriately and told her to undress. The reason she was instructed to allow Rev. T.E. to kiss her was, as he explained it, was because he would be "blowing the Holy Spirit" into her through her mouth.
Some time during the sessions Doe, realizing that the priest's conduct was not appropriate, notified the diocese and made a complaint.
Rev. T.E. later resigned as president of Life International Inc. and was recalled to the Diocese of Palm Beach.
The Diocese of Arlington stated that Rev. T.E. was never a priest in their diocese. Michael J. Donohue, the Arlington Diocese spokesman said, "When the Diocese of Arlington learned of these allegations in 2010, they were reported promptly to the Diocese of Palm Beach, which then took action to recall him to Florida."
The suit argues that both the bishop and the Diocese of Arlington "was responsible for the governance of the Roman Catholic priests practicing within its assigned geographical borders."
Donohue added that Rev. T.E. "was working for his employer, HLI, subject to his bishop in the Diocese of Palm Beach, and not in regular ministry in the Diocese of Arlington."
The spokesman for TLI, Stephen Phelan said, "We can only emphasize that such behavior was never within the scope of his employment with HLI" and that "HLI intends to vigorously defend itself against these false accusations."
Robert T. Hall is the attorney representing Jane Doe. Hall said that earlier Rev. T.E. and Doe reached an financial settlement so he is not named in the new lawsuit.
Demetrios C, Pikrallidas, the attorney for the plaintiffs said, "When someone gets to a point in life where they believe they are in need of an exorcism, that is very difficult. To come forward is even more difficult."
As far as the unusual nature of the case, Pikrallidas added, "It was clearly molestation, and yes, we've been involved in a few of those. In the field of exorcism, no, this is probably one of a kind."
If you or someone you hold dear has been the victim of priest abuse contact a personal injury lawyer for help. Often monetary awards are made for your pain and suffering.