BRANSON (MO)
News-Leader
By Linda Leicht
News-Leader staff
A former employee of Our Lady of the Lake church has filed suit against the local Catholic diocese claiming she was sexually harassed by a priest and was then fired because of her complaints.
Glenna McKitterick's suit, filed June 2 in U.S. District Court, outlines a series of allegations against Monsignor Philip Bucher regarding "unwelcome sexual advances and sexual harassment." They include:
• Questions about her sex life and preferences
• Recounting details of his personal sex life and preferences
• Business dinners that were conducted like personal dates
• Comments about Bucher's preferences regarding McKitterick's makeup
• Personal hugs
• Telephone calls to her home
• Romantic and sexually suggestive remarks and advances.
She was terminated on Jan. 16, 2004, nearly six months short of the end of a two-year employment contract as a "pastoral associate" at the Branson church. She also claims to have complained both verbally and in writing to Bucher and the church, including a letter to Bucher dated Jan. 12, 2004.
Posted by kshaw at June 11, 2005 06:52 AM