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	Woman Files Sex Suit against Church By John Stewart Mississauga News April 28, 2008 http://www.mississauganews.com/article/13548 A long-time parishioner of a Mississauga gospel church has launched a $6.8 million lawsuit, alleging she was sexually and verbally abused by one of the congregation's leaders. "I am shattered," Diana Carrol, 38, told The Toronto Sun. "If this didn't happen in a church, I think maybe I'd be okay. You're in a church for 14 years with people that you love and that you think will protect you ..." Carol's lawsuit asks for damages from Kingdom Covenant International on Dundas St. E., a church founded by Pastor Pat Francis. She has established an international following through her 3,000-strong congregation and a television show called Washed By The Word, which is shown on religious broadcast networks around the world. Carol says she attended services at the church for 13 years and was known as "Princess Diana" because of her tireless volunteer work for the church. She claims the sexual abuse and harassment at the hands of a male staffer there began soon after she was hired. In November, after she went to Peel Regional Police, the man was charged with sexual assault. None of the allegations have been proven in court. When Carol finally complained to the administration, "nothing happened at all," she told The Sun. "They didn't care — and this is a church." In a statement through its lawyers, the church said it is very concerned about the charges. "We find Ms. Carrol's allegations troubling because they are such a departure from the life-changing and uplifting message that we share with more than 3,000 members of our fellowship every week," the statement read. The statement alleges the lawsuit is without merit. The church plans to vigorously defend itself, but would make no further comment further since the matter is before the courts. Contact: jstewart@mississauga.net
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