Members of St. Sabina Catholic Church are standing by their pastor, Fr. Michael Pfleger, and they're demanding that the Archdiocese make some changes to how it handles sexual abuse allegations after the priest was accused of wrongdoing for the third time.
"While we fully recognize the church's sacred responsibility to take every allegation seriously, and to ensure that every person who comes forward is heard with compassion, dignity and respect, we can no longer remain silent about the devastating impact of a process that has repeatedly demonstrated itself to be fundamentally unjust to those who are accused," said church leader Felicia Chase, standing with about two dozen church members in the basement at St. Sabina.
She said it is "unjust and unnecessary" for the Cardinal to publicly announce that an allegation has been made and to remove the priest before there has been an investigation, without taking into account how long it has been since the alleged abuse occurred and whether there is evidence of an ongoing issue.
"Justice cannot exist if fairness is extended to only one side," Chase said.
The parishioners believe the church can conduct thorough investigations that protect both the accused and the accuser.
They're asking that the investigation be conducted "expeditiously," noting that one previous investigation of Fr. Pfleger lasted six months.
His supporters believe he was targeted because of his high profile.
They believe he is innocent.
One said "his spirit has taken a hit."
The allegation is that a young female parishioner was sexually abused by Fr. Pfleger more than 30 years ago, which he strongly denies.
