JOLIET, Ill. (STNG) - A former Elmhurst priest is being sued for allegedly stealing a man’s wife during marriage counseling sessions.

In the case, Stephen B. Crane seeks $50,000 in damages from Christopher Floss, who was a priest providing counseling,  the Diocese of Joliet, and Bishop J. Peter Sartain.

Crane contends the diocese knew the priest was having a sexual relationship with his wife, Maureen Crane, and should have removed him from the church. In his complaint, Crane alleged that he and his wife had counseling sessions with Floss in 2006 at their Elmhurst home and at Elmhurst Visitation Church.

That same year, Floss offered to renew the Cranes’ vows during a trip in Italy, Crane alleged. But while they were in Rome, Maureen Crane told her husband she wanted a divorce. He later learned that a family member and other church leaders  knew about the relationship between his wife and Floss, according to the complaint.

Not long afterward, Floss left the priesthood. The Cranes divorced. “Floss and the plaintiff’s ex-wife are currently living together in Woodridge, Ill.,” according to the complaint filed last week in Will County.

Doug Delaney, spokesman for the diocese, said: “The allegations in this lawsuit are most disturbing and unfortunate to all concerned.

“Any further public comment at this time on pending litigation would not be appropriate or helpful, considering the difficulties that this family is undergoing.”