The activist Chicago Priest, Father Michael Pfleger, who was just cleared of the most recent sexual abuse allegations against him, dating back 30-years, was defiant as he spoke to the press today, saying he's going to fight how these matters are handled by the Chicago Roman Catholic Archdiocese.
The front steps at St. Sabina Catholic Church, at 78th Place and Racine, were parked with supporters, parishioners, and the entire student body of nearby Leo High School.
The pastor appeared to cheers from supporters who chanted, "Father Mike."
"We know that the devil is pissed off right now," said another pastor, Lamar Johnson, as he started a press conference with prayer.
Fr. Michael Pfleger and his attorney made statements.
The priest said the Archdiocese's system of handling sexual abuse allegations is "unfair" and "unjust."
You're "guilty until proven innocent," the priest said.
He was asked if he's also 'pissed off.'
"Yeah, I'm pissed off," he said to cheers. "When your name is slandered and you know it's a lie, yeah, you get angry, you get mad, you get hurt, you cry, you go through ever one of the emotions, I'm a human being."
The 77-year-old priest, serving at St. Sabina for 51 years, says he'll fight a system that he believes is unfair and unjust with the Archdiocese publicizing accusations and removing priests before conducting an investigation.
He said he believes he's "a target" because of his outspoken views on social justice issues, among others, and his criticism of President Trump and his administration's policies.
He said he will "not be silent or silenced."
"An accusation should begin an investigation, not end a reputation." the priest said. "I'm and not naive. This accusation and others will follow me to the end of my life. In my obituary, they'll be talking about the accusations."
