MADISON — A woman has sued a Madison church and its pastor, alleging that the pastor forced her into a sexual relationship.

The woman filed the suit anonymously as "Jane Doe" in Madison County Court against Canaan Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and its pastor, Rev. Donald Sanford, via a Chicago attorney. According to the suit, the woman joined the church in January 2012 and obtained counseling from Sanford. In April, she alleges that he initiated a sexual relationship that was coerced.

Sanford and church leaders could not be reached for comment.

Sanford is being sued on allegations of sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and associated charges, for damages of $1 million. Canaan Galilee is also named in the suit, alleging the church did not do proper background checks and supervision of its pastor, for damages of $50,000.

The suit was filed Jan. 31, and no court date has yet been set. No criminal charges have been filed in the matter.

Contact reporter Elizabeth Donald at edonald@bnd.com.