CHICAGO (WLS) — Supporters of Father Michael Pfleger from Saint Sabina are rallying behind him following the Archdiocese’s request for him to temporarily step down from his ministerial duties.
This development comes as the Archdiocese of Chicago conducts an investigation into a fresh allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
During the Sunday service, parishioners rose to their feet, showing their support with applause for Pfleger after a letter from the Archdiocese was read aloud. In the letter, it was shared that Pfleger adamantly refutes the accusation.
The accusation comes from a woman who alleges the abuse occurred during her childhood, more than three decades ago.
This marks the fifth such accusation against Pfleger, who has been exonerated in previous investigations into similar allegations.
In the letter released Saturday by the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cardinal Blase Cupich said the alleged abuse was reported to have occurred more than 30 years ago at Saint Sabina Parish, 1210 W. 78th Pl., in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
“In keeping with our child protection policies, I have asked Father Pfleger to step aside from ministry and live away from the parish while the allegation is investigated,” the letter read in part. “Yet, you should know that Father Pfleger strongly denied the allegation.”
Father Thulani Magwaza will continue to serve as pastor of St. Sabina, the letter said.
Pfleger released his own statement Saturday evening, saying in part, “On Thursday, July 9th, I received a call from the Vicar for Priests saying a woman who said she went to school at St. Sabina made an accusation that she was sexually abused by me at some time between 1993-1995. First, this is an absolute lie. For the 51 years of my ministry I have been threatened, slandered, and attacked…”
“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. He was cleared of any wrongdoing in each of the investigations and was later reinstated by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Saturday night, parishioners attending Mass at St. Sabina said it’s frustrating to see these accusations as they stand by Father Pfleger.
“It hasn’t changed anything about him,” parishioner David Jackson Jr. said. “I think this is really false.”
Pfleger will remain away from St. Sabina as this investigation continues.
The Archdiocese of Chicago says it takes all accusations seriously as well as the welfare of children entrusted in their care.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.