One would naturally assume that working for a pastor would feel like working for someone who cares and looks out for your best interests. Imagine a Connecticut woman's surprise when she was apparently sexually harassed by a monsignor.

The man was removed from St. Edward the Confessor Church, where he reportedly worked since 1992, in light of the allegations of sexual harassment. He apparently left his post May 5 on a leave of absence after the woman had complained he touched her inappropriately and sent her inappropriate emails.

However, the 49-year-old woman, who has since resigned from her post at the church as well, says church officials did not react fast enough to her complaints. She had originally asked the pastor twice to keep his behavior professional, she says, but may have been an "easy target" because she was newly divorced, according to the Connecticut Post.

The diocese did apparently offer to have the man apologize, and also set up a sexual harassment workshop - which he did not attend. But the woman says the church should have taken stronger action to remove him.

The pastor had faced allegations several years ago that he molested a teenage girl in a church in the 1970s. He was not removed from his post even though he was found to have "celibacy issues," according to the Post. That woman was later paid a settlement.

As for the harassment issue, church officials say they acted appropriately. They are also quick to defend the monsignor. As a spokesman tells the Post, the incident "does not erase his many years of dedicated priestly service."

That, many would say, is not the issue.

Source: Connecticut Post, "Monsignor removed after harassment allegations," Daniel Tepfer, 23 June 2011