CHICAGO (WLS) — Father Michael Pfleger is currently under investigation following an accusation of sexual abuse against a minor, as disclosed by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, on Saturday.
According to a letter from Cardinal Cupich, the alleged incident reportedly took place over three decades ago at Saint Sabina Parish, located at 1210 W. 78th Pl., in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham area.
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“In line with our child protection policies, I have requested that Father Pfleger temporarily step down from his ministry duties and reside away from the parish during the investigation,” the letter stated. It also noted, “However, it is important to mention that Father Pfleger vehemently denies the allegation.”
In the meantime, Father Thulani Magwaza will continue his role as pastor of St. Sabina, as mentioned in the letter.
In a statement released Saturday evening, Pfleger addressed the allegation, saying, “On Thursday, July 9th, I was informed by the Vicar for Priests that a woman who attended school at St. Sabina accused me of sexual abuse occurring between 1993 and 1995. I must state unequivocally that this is a false accusation. Throughout my 51 years of ministry, I have faced threats, slander, and attacks…”
“Let me be clear, sexual abuse is wrong and I realize that the Catholic Church has a long history of not dealing with accusations and has spent a number of years putting strong policies in place, but I have said countless times I believe the current policy is wrong and unfair to the accused priest,” Pfleger’s statement continued. “Before an investigation or even a conversation has taken place a priest is removed and told to remain silent during their process. The presumption of innocence does not exist for priests. But at this point, I will no longer be quiet. I have no memory of this girl nor do countless others who have been at St. Sabina for those years. The statement she has supposedly made is absolutely not true, and the facts will show that this is just an attempt by someone who is either being unfairly manipulated by others to hurt my reputation, or who is simply trying to make money by making false accusations.
“I believe this is another attempt and another attack by those who have sought to destroy me for years and another attempt by someone to get money from the Archdiocese and to silence me.
“I will not stand by and allow my name, my ministry, and the church I pastor to be slandered or defamed.”
Pfleger has faced multiple similar allegations in recent years, but was later reinstated by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
This is a developing story.
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