Cardinal Blase Cupich told parishioners that the Rev. Michael Pfleger will return to the pulpit at his South Side parish after a Chicago archdiocese panel found “insufficient reason to suspect” that he is guilty of sexual-abuse allegations from decades ago, The Chicago Tribune reported.
The archdiocese investigated complaints from two adult brothers from Texas who alleged the clergyman molested them repeatedly, beginning in the early 1970s.
“I am grateful that after a long and exhaustive process, during which I have been sustained by the prayers and faith of parishioners and the community, the truth has become known to all,” Pfleger said in a statement sent to the media.
On May 24, Pfleger held a press conference at St. Sabina Church, 1210 W.78th Pl., and was flanked by dozens of supporters. He was emotional, saying, “This has been the most difficult and challenging time in my entire life.” Pfleger also noted that May 25 marks the one-year anniversary of now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s killing of George Floyd.
The reinstatement will take effect June 5, according to the press release.