Church summoned to respond to sexual harassment lawsuit

Canaan Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was summoned to respond to a woman’s sexual harassment lawsuit within 30 days.

A Madison woman says a pastor took advantage of his role as a spiritual counselor in order to have sex with her.

Jane Doe filed a lawsuit Jan. 31 in Madison County Circuit Court against the Rev. Donald Sanford and Canaan Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.

The summons was served Feb. 26 and was filed in Madison County Circuit Court on Feb. 27.

Rev. Sanford was pastor at Canaan Baptist Church in Madison when Doe became a parishioner in January 2012, according to the complaint. Shortly thereafter, she says Rev. Sanford counseled her on her personal issues.

The plaintiff claims in April 2012, Rev. Sanford made sexual advances toward her. She alleges the pastor’s position of authority compelled her to consent to several encounters.

Rev. Sanford is accused of sexual assault and battery, infliction of emotional distress and negligence. The church is accused of negligence in hiring Rev. Sanford.

Doe asks for $2.25 million in damages for medical expenses, loss of income and court costs. She is represented by attorneys Eugene K. Hollander, Paul W. Ryan and Gina M. Smith of Chicago.

The case is assigned to Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-160