Father Michael Pfleger accused of sexually abusing a child 40 years ago, a few steps from the ministry of Sainte-Sabine: archdiocese

CHICAGO (WLS) – Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich on Tuesday sent a letter to St. Sabina Parish informing them that Father Michael Pfleger would be quitting his ministry after being accused of sexually abusing a child.

In the letter, Cupich said the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Child Abuse Investigation and Review Office received an allegation of child sexual abuse that occurred more than 40 years ago.

Cupich said Pfleger had agreed to step down from his ministry and would live away from the parish during the investigation. Father Thulani Magwaza will serve temporarily as administrator of the parish of St. Sabina, and will take care of the church and the school.

CLICK HERE to read Cardinal Cupich’s letter

Cupich said the allegation has not been proven true or false, so there should be no presumption of guilt or innocence.

Saint Sabina responded in a statement by saying in part: “We, the Cabinet of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina, believe that these accusations are unfounded and we boldly support integrity, passion, hard work and ministry. of our Sr. Pastor. , Rev. Michael Pfleger … We understand that there is a process and a protocol of the Archdiocese of Chicago and we will cooperate fully. However, we believe that our Sr. Pastor will be fully exonerated from all accusations and we will support him during this process as he has been with the victims of injustice and will continue to elevate his work and life, [sic] he is committed to serving others. “

CLICK HERE to read the full statement from St. Sabina

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 city’s most outspoken and politically active religious leaders. Last Thursday, he led a march against violence.

The allegation was also reported to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services and the Cook County State Attorney, as was the policy, according to Cupich’s letter.

“It is essential that you know that nothing is more important than the well-being of the children in our care,” the letter concludes in part.

Officials from the Archdiocese of Chicago said they learned of the allegations Monday afternoon. They are not aware of any prosecution related to the allegations. They declined to give more details beyond the letter.

No further comment from the archdiocese has been or will be given on Tuesday. Father Pfleger did not respond to requests for comment from ABC7 Eyewitness News.