Cardinal Blase Cupich Issues Letter on Removal of Fr. Michael Pfleger from Ministry due to Abuse Alegations and Fr. Pfleger Issues a Response - FULL TEXT
.png)
Letter from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, on Father Michael Pfleger
Oct. 15, 2022 Dear Members of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina,
I write to share some difficult news about your senior pastor, Father Michael Pfleger. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review has received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against him. The abuse is alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago. In keeping with our child protection policies, Father Pfleger has been asked to step aside from ministry and live away from the parish while the allegation is investigated. He has agreed to cooperate fully with this request. As is required by our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the law enforcement officials. The person making the allegation has been offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry and the archdiocese has begun its investigation and we will do our best to keep you informed. Your pastor, Father Thulani Magwaza will serve as administrator and will attend to the needs of the St. Sabina parish and school community. However, until Fr. Magwaza returns from his visit with family in early November, Fr. David Jones will serve as temporary administrator. The Office for the Protection of Children and Youth is available to answer any questions you may have and provide you with support during this challenging time. The welfare of the children entrusted to our care remains our priority. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone whohas been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org. Knowing this is a painful time for your community, I assure you of my prayers.
Sincerely Yours in Christ, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
Oct. 15, 2022 Dear Members of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina,
I write to share some difficult news about your senior pastor, Father Michael Pfleger. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review has received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against him. The abuse is alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago. In keeping with our child protection policies, Father Pfleger has been asked to step aside from ministry and live away from the parish while the allegation is investigated. He has agreed to cooperate fully with this request. As is required by our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the law enforcement officials. The person making the allegation has been offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry and the archdiocese has begun its investigation and we will do our best to keep you informed. Your pastor, Father Thulani Magwaza will serve as administrator and will attend to the needs of the St. Sabina parish and school community. However, until Fr. Magwaza returns from his visit with family in early November, Fr. David Jones will serve as temporary administrator. The Office for the Protection of Children and Youth is available to answer any questions you may have and provide you with support during this challenging time. The welfare of the children entrusted to our care remains our priority. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and encourages anyone whohas been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee to come forward. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org. Knowing this is a painful time for your community, I assure you of my prayers.
Sincerely Yours in Christ, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
Comments