Michael Pfleger asked to vacate ministry by Diocese of Chicago after new sex abuse allegation

Michael Pfleger, the St. Sabina Parish, Chicago’s senior pastor has again been asked by the city’s Diocese to vacate his position at his ministry after another allegation of sexual abuse has come to light against him.

“The abuse is alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago. In keeping with our child protection policies, Father Pfleger has been asked to step aside from ministry and live away from the parish while the allegation is investigated. He has agreed to cooperate fully with this request,” said Chicago’s archbishop, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich.

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Cupich also said that the matter has been reported to law enforcement authorities and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. 

However, Pfleger has posted a statement on his parish’s website where he claims his innocence. The statement reads: “Let me be clear – I am completely innocent of this accusation. While I am confident that the new allegation will also be determined to be unfounded, this process is so unfair and painful to me and to the community I serve.”

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It was in 2021 when the Chicago priest, who is also an activist, was accused of sexual abuse for the first time. Three men had alleged that Pfleger had abused them sexually in the 1970s. He was suspended from the parish when these allegations came to light. However, in June 2021, Plfegar found himself reinstated when sufficient evidence could not be found against him. An independent review board had then said that there was “insufficient reason to suspect Father Pfleger is guilty of these allegations.”

In the latest allegation against the priest, an affidavit has been filed by the accuser, who is now 59 years old. Eugene Hollander, Pfleger’s attorney, said in a statement, “We have received the affidavit and will process it as we do every such allegation”.