Archbishop Reinstates Father Michael Pfleger at St. Sabina After Independent Review Finds No Reason to Believe Allegation (Chicago, IL) – Father Michael Pfleger has been reinstated to ministry at St. Sabina Parish after an independent review concluded there was no reason to believe an allegation made against the longtime Chicago priest was true.
In a letter dated Aug. 24, Archbishop of Chicago announced that the Independent Review Board, working with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Child Protection and outside investigators, had completed its examination of the allegation against Pfleger.
“The Review Board has concluded there is no reason to believe Father Pfleger is guilty of this allegation,” the archbishop wrote. “After careful consideration I have accepted their conclusion and have reinstated Father Pfleger to ministry at St. Sabina, effective immediately.”
Pfleger had been absent from St. Sabina while the allegation was investigated. The archbishop said the review process was intended to provide a fair and impartial examination while also protecting the rights of the accused.
The letter emphasized the importance of independent investigations in allegations involving clergy, even when the process takes a significant amount of time.
“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,” the archbishop wrote. He added that such an inquiry also protects accused clergy members, particularly when investigators determine there is no reason to believe an allegation is true.
The reinstatement comes as St. Sabina prepares for the coming weekend, when the parish will reflect on Christian discipleship and suffering. The archbishop’s letter connected Pfleger’s absence and the experience of the parish community to that religious message.
The archbishop acknowledged that Pfleger’s absence had been difficult for the St. Sabina congregation and expressed support for the parish as it moves forward.
“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,” the archbishop wrote.
He encouraged parishioners to move beyond sadness and disappointment and continue their work in the community.
“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,” the letter stated.
The Archdiocese said the review involved the Independent Review Board, the Office of Child Protection and outside investigators. The letter did not provide additional details about the allegation or the evidence reviewed, and the document does not identify the person who made the allegation.
Pfleger’s reinstatement is effective immediately, according to the archbishop’s Aug. 24 letter.
Archbishop Reinstates Father Michael Pfleger at St. Sabina After Independent Review Finds No Reason to Believe Allegation
