In this July 7, 2018, file photo, Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of the Saint Sabina Catholic church on Chicago s Southside, speaks to protesters before marching on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago. In a letter written to the Saint Sabina community, Chicago Cardinal Blasé Cupich announced Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, he has asked Pfleger to step aside from his ministry following receipt of a sexual abuse allegation of a minor by Pfleger more than 40 years earlier. (AP Photo/Annie Rice, File)
CHICAGO (RNS) The Rev. Michael Pfleger has temporarily stepped down from his ministry leading the Roman Catholic Faith Community of St. Sabina amid allegations of sexual abuse of a minor more than 40 years ago.
CNA Staff, Jan 6, 2021 / 02:09 pm (CNA).- Father Michael Pfleger, an outspoken activist Chicago priest, has issued a short response after the Archdiocese of Chicago announced it is investigating an allegation that he sexually abused a minor over 40 years ago.
“I am devastated, hurt and yes angry, but I am first, a person of faith, I trust God,” Pfleger said on his Facebook page Jan. 6. “Please keep me in prayer and the faith community of St. Sabina. I have been asked by the diocese not to speak out at this time. I am blessed with good leadership and amazing members, whom I love.”
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Chicago priest Michael Pfleger on sex abuse allegation: I am devastated
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Father Michael Pfleger, senior pastor of the St. Sabina parish in Chicago, is “devastated, hurt” and angry after being asked to step aside after an allegation was made against him of sexual abuse of a minor, Pfleger said in a post on his Facebook page.
In the post, the social activist said his “life is more than a 40-year-old accusation,” and asked his supporters to pray for him and “for the person,” seemingly referring to his accuser.
According to Pfleger, the diocese asked him “not to speak out at this time,” but he took to Facebook to post the short statement on Wednesday.