Cardinal Cupich Issues Letter on the Reinstatement of a Chicago Priest after an Investigation Finds him Not Guilty
The following official letter from Archbishop of Chicago Blaise Cupich addresses the parishioners of St. Sabina Parish regarding the reinstatement of Father Michael Pfleger following an independent investigation:
Office of the Archbishop
Chicago,
To the Faithful of St. Sabina Parish,
Thank you for your prayers and support for Father Michael Pfleger during his absence while the accusation against him was investigated. The Independent Review Board, assisted by our Office of Child Protection and outside investigators, thoroughly reviewed the allegation. An independent inquiry assures the public and the person making the accusation of a fair and impartial review of all matters related to such cases. It also protects the rights and interests of the accused cleric, especially if the board concludes there is no reason to believe the accused is guilty of the allegation. In that case, the cleric has the freedom to return to ministry without a cloud of suspicion over him. In short, no one should underestimate the value of an independent and disciplined inquiry, even if it is made public and requires a substantial amount of time.
As to this case, the Review Board has concluded there is no reason to believe Father Pfleger is guilty of this allegation. After careful consideration I have accepted their conclusion and have reinstated Father Pfleger to ministry at St. Sabina, effective immediately.
This coming weekend, Jesus tells us that being a disciple is about taking up our crosses and following him. Notice that Jesus redefines our sufferings in life. Sufferings are not punishments or even tests of our endurance for pain. Rather, Jesus calls them crosses and thus associates them with his own. He wants us to see discipleship as participating in the salvation of the world; discipleship involves joining our sufferings, our crosses to His on Calvary. Following Him, being a disciple, is then not a demanding chore, but a great gift. As we carry our crosses alongside Jesus, He transforms our sufferings into something much bigger than we ever imagined. Our sufferings mean something. With Him we bring about the salvation of the world.
It is in this spirit that I want to recognize the suffering you and Father Mike have endured, for I know his absence has been real and painful. But I ask you to allow God’s Word this weekend to free you from any sadness and disappointment. Respond to Christ’s invitation to join your sufferings to His saving work. Remember your dignity as disciples, those who can claim that Jesus joins your sufferings to His for the salvation of the world. You will have my support and prayers as you continue to be a light in the community, a great witness that has distinguished St. Sabina’s for generations.
Thank you for your prayers and support for Father Michael Pfleger during his absence while the accusation against him was investigated. The Independent Review Board, assisted by our Office of Child Protection and outside investigators, thoroughly reviewed the allegation. An independent inquiry assures the public and the person making the accusation of a fair and impartial review of all matters related to such cases. It also protects the rights and interests of the accused cleric, especially if the board concludes there is no reason to believe the accused is guilty of the allegation. In that case, the cleric has the freedom to return to ministry without a cloud of suspicion over him. In short, no one should underestimate the value of an independent and disciplined inquiry, even if it is made public and requires a substantial amount of time.
As to this case, the Review Board has concluded there is no reason to believe Father Pfleger is guilty of this allegation. After careful consideration I have accepted their conclusion and have reinstated Father Pfleger to ministry at St. Sabina, effective immediately.
This coming weekend, Jesus tells us that being a disciple is about taking up our crosses and following him. Notice that Jesus redefines our sufferings in life. Sufferings are not punishments or even tests of our endurance for pain. Rather, Jesus calls them crosses and thus associates them with his own. He wants us to see discipleship as participating in the salvation of the world; discipleship involves joining our sufferings, our crosses to His on Calvary. Following Him, being a disciple, is then not a demanding chore, but a great gift. As we carry our crosses alongside Jesus, He transforms our sufferings into something much bigger than we ever imagined. Our sufferings mean something. With Him we bring about the salvation of the world.
It is in this spirit that I want to recognize the suffering you and Father Mike have endured, for I know his absence has been real and painful. But I ask you to allow God’s Word this weekend to free you from any sadness and disappointment. Respond to Christ’s invitation to join your sufferings to His saving work. Remember your dignity as disciples, those who can claim that Jesus joins your sufferings to His for the salvation of the world. You will have my support and prayers as you continue to be a light in the community, a great witness that has distinguished St. Sabina’s for generations.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop of Chicago
Blaise Cardinal Cupich
Source - https://www.archchicago.org/documents/d/aoc/8-24-26_st-sabina-parish_fr-michael-pfleger_reinstatement.pdf
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