Father Michael Pfleger reinstated at St. Sabina after sexual abuse allegation review

CHICAGO - Father Michael Pfleger has been reinstated at St. Sabina Parish after an independent review of a sexual abuse allegation against him found there was no reason to believe he was guilty, the Archdiocese of Chicago announced Monday.

Father Pfleger reinstated

What we know:

Archbishop Blase Cupich said the archdiocese’s Independent Review Board, with assistance from the Office of Child Protection and outside investigators, completed its review of the allegation and recommended that Pfleger return to ministry.

"After careful consideration I have accepted their conclusion and have reinstated Father Pfleger to ministry at St. Sabina, effective immediately," Cupich wrote in a letter to the St. Sabina congregation.

Pfleger was removed from the parish July 11 after the archdiocese received an allegation that he sexually abused a minor roughly 30 years ago. He was also asked to live off the church campus while the investigation was underway.

Pfleger has denied the allegation, calling it "an absolute lie" and saying he had no memory of the woman who accused him. In a statement released after the allegation became public, Pfleger also criticized the church’s process for handling abuse accusations, arguing that priests are removed from ministry before an investigation is completed.

Supporters of Father Pfleger rally outside Chicago Archdiocese

Supporters of Fr. Michael Pfleger gathered outside the Archdiocese of Chicago on Wednesday to call for his reinstatement at Saint Sabina Church.

In his letter Monday, Cupich thanked St. Sabina members for supporting Pfleger during his absence and emphasized the importance of an independent investigation.

The archbishop said the review process is intended to provide a fair and impartial examination while protecting both the person making an allegation and the accused cleric.

Big picture view:

Pfleger, 77, has led St. Sabina for decades and is known nationally for his activism on issues including racism, gun violence and social justice.