Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago sent a letter to the parish of St. Sabina on Tuesday stating that Father Pfleger will step down from his ministry after being accused of sexually abusing a child.
In the letter, Cupich said that the Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review of the Archdiocese of Chicago received a report of child sexual abuse that occurred more than 40 years ago.
On Wednesday morning, Pfleger said in a Facebook post: “I cannot reply to the hundreds of texts, emails and calls I have received from across the country since yesterday. I am devastated, hurt and angry, but I am first , a person of Faith, I trust in God. Please keep me in prayer and in the Santa Sabina Faith Community. The Diocese asked me not to speak at this time. I am blessed with good leadership and incredible members, whom I love .. Pray also for the person, my life is an accusation of more than 40 years, and on that and my Faith I will stay … The Lord is my Shepherd ….. I love you .. .. “
Cupich said Pfleger has agreed to step aside from his ministry and will live away from the parish during the investigation. Father Thulani Magwaza will serve temporarily as administrator of the parish of Santa Sabina, and will take care of the church and the school.
CLICK HERE to read Cardinal Cupich’s letter
Cupich said the claim was not proven to be true or false, so there should be no presumption of guilt or innocence.
Santa Sabina responded in a statement, saying in part: “We, the Office of the Community of Faith of Santa Sabina, believe that these charges are unfounded and we boldly defend the integrity, passion, work and ministry of our Pastor Br., Rev. Michael Pfleger … We understand that there is a process and protocol from the Archdiocese of Chicago and we will cooperate fully, however, we believe that our Brother Pastor will be fully exonerated from all charges and we will be with him during this process as he faced the victims of injustice and will continue to enhance your work and your life, [sic] he pledged to serve others. “
CLICK HERE to read the full testimony of Santa Sabina
Supporters of Fr. Pfleger met in front of St. Sabina on Wednesday. They also looked at the church’s history with victims of sexual abuse. While they support the longtime priest, they also respect that the victim in this case is heard.
“For the possible victim, their story deserves to be told,” said community activist Ja’Mal Green. “Everyone has a story. Everyone has a truth. We want to hear it. We want to hear it. I think this investigation needs to happen and this investigation needs to be quick, but think of the damage that will happen to this community right now and even when he comes back, so we want to make sure the public knows what kind of man Fr Pfleger is. “
Pfleger, 71, became a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1975 and pastor of St. Sabina in 1981. For decades, he was one of the most outspoken and politically active religious leaders in the city. Last Thursday, he led an anti-violence march.
The allegation was also reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State Attorney, as is the policy, Cupich’s letter said.
“It is essential that you know that nothing is more important than the well-being of children entrusted to our care,” the letter concluded in part.
Officials in the Archdiocese of Chicago said they learned of the charges on Monday afternoon. They are not aware of any legal action associated with the allegations. They refused to give more details than the letter.
No further comments from the archdiocese have been made or will be made on Tuesday. Father Pfleger did not respond to ABC7 Eyewitness News requests for comment.
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