Father Pfleger Preparing To Revive Ministry In Auburn Gresham

CHICAGO — The Rev. Michael Pfleger on Monday called on the Chicago Archdiocese to complete its months long investigation into sexual abuse claims against him, and vowed to return to ministering in the Auburn Gresham community while the probe continues.

"I am innocent of the charges made against me and continue to believe [the Archdiocese] review board and the Cardinal will see the truth, conclude that these uncorroborated allegations are unfounded and restore me to the ministry at St. Sabina," Pfleger wrote in a letter to parishioners. "In the meantime I know that I cannot emotionally or spiritually continue to remain isolated in an apartment waiting for this Board to do its job ... I will no longer wait in silence."

Pfleger wrote that he intends to "seek other ways and opportunities to minister in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood while the investigation "drags on."

Pfleger was initially accused of sexual abuse by two brothers now in their 60s who claim the activist priest of assaulting them when they were boys in the 1970s. An Illinois Department of Children and Family Services review of the allegations concluded there wasn't sufficient evidence to show that Pfleger was a threat, the Associated Press reported.

The archdiocese is still investigating. Church officials said their investigation would note DCFS's findings, but that their process shouldn't be rushed.

A third accuser has since stepped forward claiming Pfleger fondled him in 1979.

Last month, St. Sabina officials accused the Archdiocese leaders of intentionally delaying its investigation of Pfleger, putting the South Side parish's finances and future in jeopardy.

"Many donors are pulling away due to this uncertainty. To date, we have lost $500,000 in previously committed funds to our community outreach programs. Donors have expressed their distrust, not in [Father] Pfleger, but in this investigation process and they are holding funds waiting to see if [Father] Pfleger returns," St. Sabina officials said in a statement.