Catholic World News News Feature

Cardinal prescribes leave for controversial Chicago priest June 04, 2008

Chicago's Cardinal Francis George has directed a controversial priest to take a leave of absence "to reflect on his recent statements and actions."

Father Michael Pfleger, who commanded nationwide headlines with his fiery sermon in favor of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama-- and his mockery of Obama's rival Hillary Clinton-- will temporarily leave his duties at St. Sabina's parish, the Chicago archdiocese announced. Cardinal George, who had earlier rebuked Father Pfleger for his partisan statements, said that the priest should pause to reflect upon "the Church's regulations for all Catholic priests." He prescribed a leave of "a couple of weeks."

In response to the cardinal's disciplinary action, a crowd of several hundred people gathered at St. Sabina's parish on Tuesday evening, June 3, demanding the immediate reinstatement of their pastor. Some parishioners expressed fears that the controversial priest's leave might be extended. They said that Father Pfleger was being removed from active ministry against his wishes.

Among the supporters rallying to the priest's defense at St. Sabina's parish was Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the outspoken Protestant minister at whose church Father Pfleger had made his provocative remarks. Rev. Wright himself has been caught up in controversy because of his radical views. Last week Senator Obama resigned his membership in Wright's church.