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WNN-CHICAGO — Father Michael Pfleger, the longtime pastor of St. Sabina Church on Chicago's South Side and one of Chicago's most recognizable faith leaders and anti-violence activists, has stepped aside from ministry following a new allegation of sexual abuse involving a minor, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Cardinal Blase Cupich announced Saturday that the allegation dates back more than 30 years and is currently under investigation. In accordance with Archdiocesan child protection policies, Pfleger has been asked to step away from ministry and reside away from the parish while the investigation proceeds.
"In keeping with our child protection policies, I have asked Father Pfleger to step aside from ministry and live away from the parish while the allegation is investigated," Cardinal Cupich wrote in a letter to the St. Sabina community. "Yet, you should know that Father Pfleger strongly denied the allegation."
Father Thulani D. Magwaza has been appointed to serve as pastor of St. Sabina during the investigation.
This marks the fifth allegation of sexual misconduct made against Pfleger since 2021. Previous allegations were investigated by the Archdiocese of Chicago and determined to be unsubstantiated.
For more than four decades, Pfleger has served as pastor of St. Sabina Church in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood after being appointed in 1981. Throughout his ministry, he has become nationally known for his outspoken advocacy against gun violence, racial injustice, and economic inequality.
As a journalist covering Chicago during the 2000s, I frequently reported on St. Sabina Church and Father Pfleger's community activism. His church often served as a gathering place for civic leaders, activists, celebrities, and elected officials addressing violence and social justice issues.
In 2015, filmmaker Spike Lee, actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, actor John Cusack, and members of the cast of Chi-Raq joined Father Pfleger at St. Sabina in a call for peace as the city grappled with escalating gun violence.
Community Reaction
Reaction to the announcement has been swift, with supporters and critics taking to social media as news of the allegation spread.
On Father Michael Pfleger's public Facebook page, more than 1,200 comments had been posted following news of the allegation. Supporters and critics alike have weighed in, with many expressing confidence in the longtime pastor and urging the public to allow the investigative process to run its course, while others have called for accountability and a thorough review of the claims.
Chicago resident Davi Davenport emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to unfold before reaching conclusions.
"Whatever happened to being innocent until proven guilty, and why not just let the process take us to the facts," Davenport told Women's Network News.
Among those publicly expressing support is philosopher and activist Dr. Cornel West, who shared a photo of himself with Father Pfleger in a show of solidarity.
A Longtime Community Leader
Throughout his decades of ministry, Father Pfleger has become one of Chicago's most visible faith leaders, frequently partnering with artists, athletes, civic leaders, and public officials to address gun violence and social justice issues.
As a journalist covering Chicago during the 2000s, I frequently reported on St. Sabina Church and Father Pfleger's community activism. His church often served as a gathering place for civic leaders, activists, celebrities, and elected officials seeking solutions to violence in Chicago.
In 2015, filmmaker Spike Lee, actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, actor John Cusack, and members of the cast of Chi-Raq joined Father Pfleger at St. Sabina Church to promote peace amid Chicago's ongoing gun violence crisis.
More recently, Father Pfleger partnered with Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper to lead The Summer Peace Walk Takeover, a community rally held last month encouraging young people to choose positive alternatives to violence. During the event, Chance the Rapper spoke directly to youth and parents gathered in attendance, emphasizing community engagement, hope, and creating safe spaces for Chicago's next generation.
Father Pfleger Denies Allegation
Father Pfleger released a lengthy public statement denying the accusation and asserting that it is false.
He called the allegation "an absolute lie" and said he believes it is another attempt to damage his reputation following decades of public advocacy on controversial social and political issues.
Pfleger also referenced previous investigations into allegations made against him, noting they were found to be unsubstantiated, and criticized the Church's current policy requiring priests accused of misconduct to step away from ministry before investigations are completed.
He stated that he has no memory of the accuser and believes the investigation will ultimately clear his name.
WNN Editorial Note
Women's Network News recognizes the seriousness of allegations involving sexual abuse. At the same time, journalistic standards require that allegations remain allegations until they are fully investigated. WNN will continue to follow developments in this case and report verified information as it becomes available.
Statement from Father Michael Pfleger
The following statement was released publicly by Father Michael Pfleger following the Archdiocese's announcement:
"First, this is an absolute lie. For the 51 years of my ministry, I have been threatened, slandered, and attacked."
"I have been publicly attacked due to my public position against gun violence, my opposition against the inhumane policies and practices of Donald Trump, and even because of my friendship with Minister Louis Farrakhan."
"Let me be clear, sexual abuse is wrong... I have no memory of this girl... The statement she has supposedly made is absolutely not true."
"I believe this is another attempt and another attack by those who have sought to destroy me for years..."
"I will not stand by and allow my name, my ministry, and the church I pastor to be slandered or defamed."
Editor's Note: The complete statement released by Father Michael Pfleger is available in full through his official public release.
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