A Different Outcry over Fr. Michael Pfleger

There is a different kind of outcry emerging at St. Sabina's Parish in Chicago concerning the controversial Catholic Priest.

CHICAGO, Il (Catholic Online) - On Tuesday of this week, the Archbishop of Chicago, Francis Cardinal George, asked Rev. Michael Pfleger, to take some time off, two weeks to be specific.

The controversial Catholic Priest had made outlandish remarks as a guest preacher in the pulpit of Trinity United Church of Christ.

He ignited a National controversy with mocking, belittling statements and gestures, all directed toward Senator Hillary Clinton. They insinuated that she thought she was entitled to the nomination of her Party and that she felt it was stolen by a "black man".

The remarks are shocking to anyone who hears them - and many have. They continue to be distributed virally through the blogosphere. They have caused an outcry throughout the entire Nation which does not seem close to subsiding.

Prior to this recent controversy, Father Michael Pfleger had been asked to resign from a group calling itself "Roman Catholics for Obama". This was after he had formally endorsed Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency. Overt endorsements of candidates is in contravention of the limitations on Political activity for Priests which is set forth in the Code of Canon Law.

After being corrected by the Cardinal for his remarks, Father Pfleger apologized in the Parish Church and issued a statement in which he said: "I regret the words I chose on Sunday. These words are inconsistent with Sen. Obama's life and message, and I am deeply sorry if they offended Sen. Clinton or anyone else who saw them."

The controversy, and the public outcry, did not subside.

Cardinal George then re-entered the story.He asked his priest to take the time off to reflect on what he had said.It was an apparently pastoral effort and appeared oriented toward quelling the controversy.

Father Pfleger did not like the Cardinal's request. This is evident in the statement which was formally released by the Archdiocese of Chicago, which says, among other things:

"Father 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."

However Father Pflegers disagreement is becoming evident in other ways as well.

There is a different kind of outcry emerging at St. Sabina's Parish in Chicago. It is also involving others within the inner City community served by the Parish. Those who express their dissatisfaction with the Cardinals treatment of the Priest are becoming increasingly vocal.

Many insinuate that Father Pfleger is being unjustly treated. They also demands his immediate reinstatement. The Parishioners of St. Sabina are leading this different kind of outcry. They are incensed.

They are also keeping the dispute in front of the National Press.

The disgruntled parishioners gathered outside and inside the Church on Tuesday evening, June 3, 2008. They were accompanied by others. The crowd included over 2000 supporters of father Pfleger.

Included among these supporters was the former Pastor of Trinity United, Rev.Jeremiah Wright Jr., whose extreme remarks from the same Trinity pulpit also caused a National Outcry. He is a lifelong friend of Father Pfleger.

The Director of Ministry at the Parish, Randall Blakey, told the crowd that the leaders of the Parish would find a way to bring the Priest back. He drew a raucous round of applause as he shouted "God is still in control".

The President of the Parish Council, along with other members of the Parish, openly questioned the Cardinals use of authority and insisted that they should have first been consulted before he acted.

Fr. Pfleger has always had both supporters and detractors.

This latest incident is not the first time that his homilies or his activities have been the cause of extended controversy and drawn public attention. However, they have usually not gone beyond the Chicago news.

Both the Cardinal and his predecessor have allowed the priest to serve the inner city Parish as Pastor for thirty years. This extended time of service at one Parish has been unusual given the common practice in the Archdiocese of Chicago of six year pastoral assignments.

Ernestine Jackson, 38, is a member of the Parish and a great fan of the Priest. She told the press that she would stay at the parish if the Priest returns. She durther said that if Father Pfleger started his "own church" (which is one of the many unconfirmed rumors circulating in this charged environment) she would follow him.

Ms. Jackson noted with sadness "I just want to cry...Father Pfleger has changed my life around and the way I believe in God and Jesus." Her sentiment was echoed in the responses of many of the parishioners.

The controversy concerning this Catholic Priest does not seem ready to subside any time soon.Inside the Church that evening were over 2,000 people gathered to pray and air their concerns. To this group, he is a hero.

The President of the Parish Council, Gerald Stewart, addressed those gathered with these words: "We respectfully request the Cardinal immediately reinstate Father Pfleger as full pastor of St. Sabina!" He also said the Parish wanted to address the "the future of the entire faith community of St. Sabina" with the Cardinal.

Father Michael Pfleger was not at the Prayer Service and Rally. However, reports were that he was on the grounds of the Parish. Further, sources say that following the gathering he and longtime friend, Rev. Jeremiah Wright went to dinner.

Cardinal George expressed in his last Public statement that he hoped that life at St. Sabina would continue "in uninterrupted fashion" without Father Pfleger.

However, the Parishioners of St. Sabina seem intent on just the opposite. Members of the Parish Youth Group called "Passing the Baton" have begun a hunger strike. Their 18 year old leader, Blair Matthews, said they were going to "fast and pray" until the Priest is reinstated.

Just when or if that will occur remains to be seen.

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