A Chicago Catholic priest known for his activism against racism, gun violence, and poverty — and who leads a predominantly Black congregation — has been reinstated after an investigation cleared him of allegations that he sexually abused a minor more than 30 years ago.
An independent church review board announced it had completed its investigation of Father Michael Pfleger and concluded “there is no reason to believe” Pfleger “is guilty of this allegation.” The review also involved the archdiocese’s Office of Child Protection and outside investigators.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, who leads the archdiocese, said in a statement that Pfleger, 77, now “has the freedom to return to ministry without a cloud of suspicion over him,” according to ABC7 Chicago. The cardinal also acknowledged the strain the investigation — and Pfleger’s absence — had placed on the priest and his congregation.
“I want to recognize the suffering you and Father Mike have endured, for I know his absence has been real and painful,” Cupich wrote in a statement. “But I ask you to allow God’s Word this weekend to free you from any sadness and disappointment.”
An independent church review board found “no reason to believe” Pfleger abused a minor 30 years ago.
In a brief Facebook post, Pfleger thanked God and “all who stood by me.”
“An Absolute Lie”
His return restores St. Sabina’s longtime spiritual leader and one of Chicago’s most visible social justice activists. The reinstatement, however, is unlikely to end the congregation’s call for a process that protects children, treats allegations seriously and preserves fairness for everyone involved.
Pfleger, who has led the Faith Community of St. Sabina since 1981, was removed from ministry in July after a woman alleged that he abused her when she was a student at St. Sabina Academy between 1993 and 1995. Pfleger strongly denied the accusation, calling it “an absolute lie.”
It was the fifth allegation against Pfleger in recent years. None has been substantiated through the archdiocese’s review process. Pfleger previously stepped away from ministry during investigations in 2021 and 2022 before being reinstated.
Flawed Process
St. Sabina members and other clergy publicly supported Pfleger during his latest absence, even gathering outside Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral to support him instead of holding their regular Sunday service. Julie Contreras, pastor of United Giving Hope, prayed during the demonstration for God to “begin the path of returning Father Michael to the altar in St. Sabina Church.”
Following the reinstatement, Contreras said the church still needs “a better, more humane protocol and procedure” for handling allegations against clergy.
“There is something broken there in the archdiocese, and it needs to be fixed,” she told ABC7 Chicago.
The announcement also drew an outpouring of support on Facebook.
“Praise God!” wrote Camille J. Banks. “He’s doing so much good, not only in Chicago but throughout the world.”
“That’s what I’m talking about. We have an awesome God,” wrote Laura Davis.
Other reactions were shorter but equally celebratory. Charles F. Douglass Jr. wrote, “Thank and praise God,” while Darlene Wilson declared, “To God be the glory.”
