Cardinal Gives Final Warning To Father Pfleger Supporters

CHICAGO — Cardinal Blase Cupich issued a final warning to St. Sabina parishioners: Stop the "tactics of intimidation" aimed at the independent board investigating sexual abuse allegations against the South Side church's longtime activist priest, the Rev. Michael Pfleger.

In January,two brothers accused Pfleger of sexually abusing them in the 1970s. Since then, a third person has accused Pfleger of sexual abuse. Pfleger has denied the allegations and members of the St. Sabina members have vehemently come to his defense, calling on the Catholic Church to complete its investigation and allow the long-time pastor to return to the parish.

Cupich's letter says he thinks parishioners' support for Pfleger had gone too far. He accused St. Sabina members of obstructing "public authorities" by flooding the archdiocese's phone lines dedicated to receiving calls from alleged abuse victims — a tactic he called "offensive and an injustice, as it may discourage those calling to report abuse and seek pastoral care if they cannot get through to our staff."

"Tactics of Intimidation that put pressure on individuals seeking only to provide justice and pastoral care will not be tolerated and must immediately cease. If they do not, I am prepared to move the case of Father Pfleger to the Independent Review Board of another diocese which means the process will have to begin anew," Cupich wrote in a message posted on the church website. "Please share this letter as you deem will be no further warnings."

St. Sabina officials published the letter online along with a message instructing Pfleger supports to write letters of support for the priest to the independent review board.