CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Archdiocese of Chicago announced Monday that it is reinstating Father Pfleger as senior pastor at Saint Sabina Catholic Church in Gresham after the review board has concluded that there is no reason to suspect he is guilty of child sexual abuse.
It was in early January, when two brothers in their 60's made allegations of sexual abuse against Father Pfleger, saying he molested them dozens of times beginning in the early 1970s.
Fr. Pfleger agreed to step aside from ministry during an investigation, and now Cardinal Blase Cupich said the Archdiocese independent review board has concluded there is "insufficient reason to suspect Father Pfleger is guilty of these allegations."
“I am innocent of those charges and accusations,” Pfleger said Monday afternoon, surrounded by supporters at St. Sabina. “And I cannot tell you how grateful I am to God and to all those who prayed for me and supported me during this painful time.”
Pfleger said he would continue to pray for the brothers who accused him of wrongdoing.
“I’m so relieved and glad that this nightmare is over,” he said.
Pfleger said he back living at St. Sabina in anticipation of his June 5 reinstatement.
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The following letter was shared with parishioners of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina.
Dear Members of the Faith Community of St. Sabina,
Thank you for your patience and prayers during the absence of your senior pastor. Father Michael Pfleger. As you know, earlier this year the archdiocese received allegations of child sexual abuse against Father Pfleger. In accordance with our policies for the protection of children and youth, the archdiocese Independent Review Board assisted by our Office of Child Abuse Investigation and Review and outside investigators conducted a thorough review of the allegations.
The Review Board has concluded that there is insufficient reason to suspect Father Pfleger is guilty of these allegations. Having given careful consideration to their decision, which I accept, I now inform you that I am reinstating Father Pfleger to his position of Senior Pastor of the Faith Community of St. Sabina, effective the weekend of June 5-6, 2021. I have asked Father Pfleger to take the next two weeks to prepare himself spiritually and emotionally to return, realizing that these months have taken a great toll on him. He has agreed to do so.
The weekend he will return is the Feast of Corpus Christi when we celebrate that we are one in the Body of Christ, sharing each other's joys and sorrows. It is in this spirit that I ask you to welcome back Father Pfleger, thereby helping him take up again the ministry that has distinguished St. Sabina in the archdiocese and beyond.
This past year has been a time of great trial for us all, and our church, our city and society are in need of your witness to Jesus' love. Please know you will have my support and prayers as you continue to be a light in the community.
Sincerely yours,
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago
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Father Michael Pfleger is expected to give a statement at 3 p.m. Monday in front of Saint Sabina Church.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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