The congregation at St. Sabina Church was filled with emotion one day after the Archdiocese of Chicago announced it had received an allegation that Father Michael Pfleger, the church’s senior pastor, sexually abused a minor more than 30 years ago. Pfleger denies the allegation.
NBC Chicago’s Jenn Schanz spoke with several members of the congregation outside the church on Sunday who said they stand by him as he’s been asked to step aside for now as these allegations are investigated.
Congregation members were on their feet as auxiliary Bishop Mark Bartosic read aloud a letter from Cardinal Blase Cupich, explaining Pfleger’s absence from service due to an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.
“The abuse is alleged to have occurred at St. Sabina more than 30 years ago. 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,” Bartosic said in part, reading the letter. “Yet, you should know that Father Pfleger strongly denied the allegation,” as cheers erupted.
Pfleger in a statement called the allegation an absolute lie, and said he has no memory of the girl, nor do countless others who have been at Saint Sabina over those years, he said. His assistant read that statement on Sunday and asked the congregation to send their thoughts to Pfleger.
“If you have an opportunity to reach out to him through social media just send your love to him as best you can,” said Corey Williams, the senior pastor’s assistant. “He’s staying strong.”
Pfleger was reinstated after previously stepping aside for a similar claim in 2022. In 2021, three different men accused him of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese said it found those claims to be unfounded.
“He has shown himself and everyone is supporting him,” Michael LaFargue, a member of the St. Sabina congregation, said.
“He’s been out there for forty years fighting for the community and social justice trying to do right,” member Jenny LaFargue added.
Father Thulani Magwaza led mass on Sunday, and will serve as the church’s pastor in Pfleger’s absence.
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