Father Michael Pfleger accused of sexually abusing children 40 years ago, one step away from the Santa Sabina ministry: archdiocese

CHICAGO (WLS) – Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich on Tuesday sent a letter to Santa Sabina Parish informing them that Father Michael Pfleger will leave 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 a report of child sexual abuse that happened more than 40 years ago.

Cupich said Pfleger agreed to step away from his ministry and will live away from the parish during the investigation. Father Thulani Magwaza will temporarily serve as administrator of the parish of Santa Sabina and will attend the church and school.

CLICK HERE to read Cardinal Cupich’s letter

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

Santa Sabina responded in a statement, saying in part: “We, the cabinet of the community of faith of Santa Sabina, believe that these accusations are unfounded and that we bravely defend integrity, passion, work and ministry of our Mr. Pastor., Rev. Michael Pfleger … We understand that there is a process and protocol of the Archdiocese of Chicago and we will cooperate fully, but we believe that our Mr. Pastor will be totally exonerated of all charges and we will be with him during this process, as he has been by the side of the victims of injustice and will continue to elevate his work and his life, [sic] is committed to serving others. “

CLICK HERE to read the full Santa Sabina statement

Pfleger, 71, became a priest in the archdiocese of Chicago in 1975 and pastor of Santa Sabina in 1981. For decades he has been one of the city’s most active and political religious leaders. Last Thursday he led a march against violence.

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

“It is crucial that you know that nothing is more important than the well-being of children entrusted to our care,” the letter partly concludes.

Chicago Archdiocese officials said they became aware of the allegations Monday afternoon. They have no knowledge of any lawsuits related to the allegations. They refused to give further details beyond the letter.

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