Cardinal Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago Asks Activist Priest to Step Aside from Ministry during Abuse Investigation
On July 11, 2026, the Archdiocese of Chicago released a formal letter from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich addressed to the faith community of St. Sabina Parish in Chicago. The correspondence informs parishioners that Senior Pastor Father Michael Pfleger has been asked to temporarily step aside from his ministry and live away from the parish following an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back more than 30 years. While emphasizing that the archdiocese does not presume the truth or falsity of the accusation during the active investigation, Cardinal Cupich details the administrative transitions and support systems put in place to ensure the community's continuity and the welfare of all parties involved.Full Text Letter from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, on Father Michael Pfleger
The Archdiocese of Chicago distributed the following letter to the Faith Community of St. Sabina Parish in Chicago regarding Father Michael Pfleger.
Dear Members of the Faith Community of Saint Sabina,
I write to share some difficult news about your senior pastor, Father Michael Pfleger. The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review has received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Father Pfleger. The abuse is alleged to have occurred at St. Sabina more than 30 years ago. 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. Yet, you should know that Father Pfleger strongly denied the allegation. Father Thulani D. Magwaza will continue to serve as pastor of Saint Sabina Parish and will attend to the needs of the parish and school communities. He will help ensure that the good work of your faith community continues.
We do not presume the truth or falsity of an allegation until the process is complete and our Independent Review Board has made a recommendation that I accept. Only by conducting a thorough and impartial review can we ensure fairness to all concerned. As is also required by our child protection policies, the allegation was reported to law enforcement authorities and the person making the allegation has been offered the services of our Victim Assistance Ministry.
I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern. The Archdiocese of Chicago takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously. We appreciate the courage it takes to step forward and encourage anyone who believes they have experienced abuse or inappropriate behavior by a member of the clergy, religious or lay employee of the archdiocese to report it to the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth. They will be received with compassion and respect. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the archdiocesan website at www.archchicago.org.
As your parish has been through this before, I can well understand your distress in learning of this development. I appreciate your patience and ask you to recall that our process of investigation and making a determination has proven effective in protecting the rights of all. During this time, I assure you of my prayers.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase Cupich
Archbishop of Chicago
Letter to the Faith Community of St. Sabina Parish in Chicago (English)
Comments