[A.A. Cunningham]

Archdiocese of Chicago

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE, O.M.I.,
ARCHBISHOP OF CHICAGO
June 3, 2008

To put recent events in some perspective, I have asked Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor of St. Sabina’s Parish, to step back from his obligations there and take leave for a couple of weeks from his pastoral duties, effective today. Fr. Pfleger does not believe this to be the right step at this time. While respecting his disagreement, I have nevertheless asked him to use this opportunity to reflect on his recent statements and actions in the light of the Church’s regulations for all Catholic priests. I hope that this period will also be a time away from the public spotlight and for rest and attention to family concerns.

I hope also that the life of St. Sabina’s parish may continue in uninterrupted fashion. Fr. William Vanecko, Pastor of St. Kilian’s parish, will be temporary administrator of St. Sabina’s and will assure the full complement of ministerial services during this period. I ask the members of St. Sabina’s parish to cooperate with him and to keep him and Fr. Pfleger in their prayers. They are in mine.

[Jeff Head]

Good for the Cardinal. Hopefully this is just a first step in sending Pfleger far, far away from this environment which he has abused so badly as a priest...far away to someplace like Somalia.

[prolifefirst]

Bet these two weeks are used to go over the finances and interview staff about anything else that might be untoward.

[buccaneer81]

Fr. William Vanecko, Pastor of St. Kilian’s parish, will be temporary administrator of St. Sabina’s

Good luck to Father Vanecko. He'll need our prayers to deal with the aftermath.

[LibertyRocks]

I’m guessing at this point that Cardinal George will summon Pfleger to his office after his little “vacation” and ask him if he will repent, and change his ways. Knowing Pfleger, as little as I do, my guess is that he won’t. THEN Cardinal George will be able to remove him completely once and for all from St. Sabina. Where they send him then - who knows? I’m thinking perhaps that Fr. Pfleger could be sent to do missionary work in Africa, or some other 3rd world country so he can learn first hand why America is STILL the best country in the world...