Father Michael Pfleger is accused of sexually abusing a child 40 years ago, away from the ministry of St. Sabina: Archdiocese

CHICAGO (WLS) – Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich sent a letter to St. Louis on Tuesday. St. Sabina congregation sent in which they were informed that father Michael Pfleger would retire from his ministry after he was accused of sexually abusing a child.

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

Cupich said Pfleger has agreed to relinquish his ministry and will stay away from the congregation during the investigation. Father Thulani Magwaza will temporarily serve as administrator of the parish of St. Sabina serves and attends church and school.

CLICK HERE to read Cardinal Cupich’s letter

Cupich said the allegation was not proven true or false, and therefore there may be no suspicion of guilt or innocence.

St. Sabina responded in a statement, saying in part: ‘We, the cabinet of the faith community of St. Sabina, believes that these accusations are unfounded and we stand with confidence behind the integrity, passion, work and ministry of our pastor. , Rev. Michael Pfleger … We understand that there is a process and protocol of the Archdiocese of Chicago and we will cooperate fully. However, we believe that our pastor will be fully acquitted of all charges and that we will stand with him during this process as he has stood with the victims of injustice and will continue to uphold his work and life. hef, [sic] he committed himself to serving others. ‘

CLICK HERE for the full statement from St. Sabina to read

Pfleger (71) became a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1975 and in 1981. Pastor of St. Last Thursday, he led a march against violence.

The allegation was also reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County Attorney, as required by policy, Cupich’s letter reads.

“It is crucial that you know that nothing is more important than the well-being of the children entrusted to us,” the letter concluded in part.

The archdiocese of Chicago officials said they became aware of the allegations Monday afternoon. They are not aware of any lawsuit related to the allegations. They did not want to give further details beyond the letter.

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