CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Parishioners and lay leaders of St. Sabina Church came out solidly behind their senior pastor, Fr. Mike Pfleger, who is accused by two brothers of sexually abusing them nearly 50 years ago.
Dr. Kimberly Lymore, an associate minister at St. Sabina, said support for Fr. Mike Pfleger is both unequivocal and unwavering.
"During his 45 year tenure at the Faith Community of St. Sabina, Fr. Pfleger has been consistent and his character and reputation have never been questioned," she said to shouts of "Amen" and "Alleluia."
Isadore Glover said it hurt his heart to hear of the accusations against the priest.
"I know this man. I have worked in the private sector and the public sector for over 35 years in human resources and I think I know the character of certain…" he said.
Glover said that for the allegations to come out now is "ridiculous."
"We pray for those that are accusing him, but I can tell you right now, they need an awful lot of prayers," he said.
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Leonard Richardson said he has been a parishioner of St. Sabina Church since 1965 and credits Fr. Pfleger with helping him to decide to become a Catholic deacon. He said simply that he doesn't believe any of the accusations against the priest.
Joseph Saunder said he's known Fr. Pfleger for about 25 years and said the priest’s "character is golden." Saunders also questions why one of Pfleger’s two accusers asked Pfleger to give him $20,000.
"This is extortion. I did, for a little bit have some compassion on the accusers, you just never know. No! $20,000 you ask for. $20,000 can’t heal a wound in the heart," Saunder said.
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The supporters of Fr. Pfleger said they will follow what he’s taught them and pray for his accusers.
Dr. Lymore said that last week, about 750 letters were delivered to the Archdiocese of Chicago in support of Fr. Pfleger. His supporters are currently gathering signatures on a letter to be delivered later in the week to the archdiocese asking that the investigation into the allegations against Fr. Pfleger be expedited.
Dr. Lymore said Fr. Pfleger has worked against violence, racism, neglect of the poor, and even for the role of women in the church. She said that has resulted in "a myriad of enemies in government, the church, and the public."
She added that the priest "has been a voice to the voiceless and has unashamedly spoken out against the city, and even at times, the Archdiocese of Chicago."
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Fitzgerald Craan, the director of Social Services for St. Sabina said, "This man has done nothing, but to give love to everyone. That’s the only thing that he’s guilty of is having a great big heart. Unfortunately, when you have a huge heart, people take advantage of that sometimes."
Blaire Matthews, a law student at Northwestern University, said the allegations are "very serious," and that he hopes "this is a big misunderstanding."