Woman claims priest molested her during exorcism


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A woman who claims a priest repeatedly molested her during a more than two-year exorcism has filed a lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, its bishop and an anti-abortion ministry that employed the exorcist.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this month in Arlington County Circuit Court, seeks more than $5.3 million in damages.

According to the complaint, the Warren County woman went to the Rev. Thomas Euteneuer, then president of Front Royal-based Human Life International Inc., for spiritual help in February 2008. The lawsuit says Euteneuer knew that the woman, identified in court papers by the pseudonym Jane Doe, believed she needed exorcism. He told her that her case was "severe" and had her sign an agreement promising full cooperation, the complaint says.

The plaintiff alleges that Euteneuer's sessions with her frequently involved inappropriate touching and directing her to undress. The complaint says Euteneur explained passionate kisses as "blowing the Holy Spirit" into her. :huh:

The woman eventually realized the conduct was inappropriate and complained to the diocese, the complaint says. Euteneuer, who performed exorcisms independently of his job at HLI, resigned as president of the organization and was recalled to the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Robert T. Hall, an attorney for the plaintiff, said Euteneuer was not named in the lawsuit because he and the woman previously reached a financial settlement. However, he said that settlement did not release the diocese or HLI from claims.

In a statement released a few months after his resignation, Euteneuer acknowledged "violating the boundaries of chastity with an adult female who was under my spiritual care" but said his transgressions "did not involve the sexual act."

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Well that's a different way to pick up women I guess.. claim to do an exorcism, splash some holy water and chant "The power of my penis compels you." (Sorry, The Exorcist movie jumped to mind.)

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