Controversial Chicago priest and activist Father Michael Pfleger facing new sexual abuse allegation

A controversial, anti-violence activist priest in Chicago who as soon as caught consideration for his relationship with former President Barack Obama is below investigation for one more sexual abuse of a minor case. 

The Archdiocese of Chicago introduced Saturday that Father Michael Pfleger will likely be below investigation for a brand new allegation of sexual abuse of a minor stated to have taken place greater than 30 years in the past, in line with an announcement. 

“Father Pfleger has been requested to step apart from ministry and reside away from the parish whereas the allegation is investigated. He has agreed to cooperate absolutely with this request,” Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich stated Saturday. 

The allegation was reported to the Illinois Division of Youngsters and Household Providers and regulation enforcement officers.

Pfleger isn't any stranger to controversy. He as soon as obtained condemnation for threatening to “snuff out” a federally licensed gun store proprietor at an NRA protest led by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in Chicago. 

The Catholic priest has additionally confronted warmth for defending Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s personal pastor recognized for controversial sermons put up the 9/11 terrorist assaults, in addition to anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan. 

In 2019, the archbishop of Chicago apologized after Pfleger invited the Nation of Islam chief to talk at St. Sabina Church in response to Fb’s choice to ban Farrakhan from its platforms over alleged hate speech and Farrakhan continuing to make extra disparaging feedback concerning the Jewish group on the pulpit. 

Father Michael Pfleger attends funeral services for Roger Ebert at Holy Name Cathedral on April 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.
Pfleger attends funeral providers for Roger Ebert at Holy Identify Cathedral on April 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.
Timothy Hiatt/Getty Photos

Obama has tried to distance himself from Wright, in addition to Pfleger. In 2008, Pfleger went after then- Sen. Obama’s Democratic presidential opponent Clinton, accusing her of turning into teary-eyed earlier than the New Hampshire major as a result of she thought, “There’s a Black man stealing my present.” 

Pfleger was reportedly suspended for 2 weeks and later apologized. 

The Archdiocese of Chicago stated Saturday Father Thulani Magwaza will function administrator and will attend to the wants of the St. Sabina parish and faculty group upon his return from visiting household in early November.

Till then, Father David Jones will function momentary administrator.

“The welfare of the youngsters entrusted to our care stays our precedence,” the Archdiocese assertion reads. 

Roman Catholic Father Michael Pfleger poses in Saint Sabina Catholic Church in in Chicago January 9, 2009.  (John Gress/Corbis through Getty Photos)

One other accusation in opposition to Pfleger got here to gentle in January 2021. In that occasion, two brothers of their 60s say Pfleger inflicted years of sexual abuse on them within the 70s, in line with FOX 32 Chicago. 

Father Michael Pfleger attends the Chicago premiere of 'Under the Gun' on May 5, 2016.
Pfleger attends the Chicago premiere of “Beneath the Gun” on Might 5, 2016.
Daniel Boczarski/Getty Photos for EPIX

Pfleger is understood within the Chicago group as an activist and civil rights chief, the TV station stories. 

Pfleger was additionally suspended in 2011 amid a disagreement over a proposed switch to a unique parish. He’s served as pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church since 1981, in line with WGN, an unbiased TV station within the Windy Metropolis.

Fox Information’ Sam Dorman and the Related Press contributed to this report. 

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