CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Cardinal Blase Cupich is giving St. Sabina Church administrators a stern warning over alleged "inappropriate and intimidating tactics" being used to try to influence the investigation of Father Michael Pfleger.
“Once again this week, there was an organized effort through the St. Sabina website to employ inappropriate and intimidating tactics to put pressure on the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Independent Review Board (IRB) as the case of Father Michael Pfleger is being processed,” Cupich wrote in a letter addressed to Rev. Thulani Magwaza, who is serving as pastor at the South Side church in Pfleger’s absence.
St. Sabina parishioners have been staunch in their support of Fr. Mike Pfleger, as an investigation looks into allegations he sexually abusing three boys over 40 years ago.
Now, Cardinal Cupich has sent a letter to St. Sabina saying Fr. Pfleger supporters have flooded the archdiocese’s phone lines that are supposed to be used to receive calls from victims and civil authorities.
"This tactic is offensive and an injustice, as it may discourage those calling to report abuse and seek pastoral care if they cannot get through to our staff. This ploy also obstructs public authorities as they attempt to reach our staff through these phone lines. In short, it serves no one," Cupich's letter states.
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The cardinal said he will not stand for it. Cupich said that if the intimidation does not stop, he will move the investigation to another diocese and the investigation will start from the beginning. The cardinal said there will be no other warning.
"...tactics of Intimidation that put pressure on individuals seeking only to provide Justice and pastoral care will not be tolerated and must immediately cease. If they do not, I am prepared to move the case of Father Pfieger to the Independent Review Board of another diocese, which means the process will have to begin anew. Please share this letter as you deem necessary. There will be no further warnings."
Meanwhile, Cardinal Cupich said supporters of Fr. Mike Pfleger are welcome to send emails and letters. He provided the below information:
Those wishing to express their support for Father Pfieger can readily do so by sending a letter to Moira Reiiiy, Office of CAiR, P.O. 1979, Chicago, Illinois, 60690-1979 or to opcv@archchicaqo.ora. Ail communication will be shared with the IRB.
The letter, dated April 13, has been posted on the homepage of the St. Sabina website.
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