CHICAGO (CBS) -- CBS 2 News has learned that Francis Cardinal George is temporarily removing Father Michael Pfleger from his position as pastor of St. Sabina Roman Catholic Church on Chicago's South Side.
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports the move comes after several days of deliberation and consultation by the Cardinal, who first learned about Pfleger's racially charged comments about Sen. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton from the pulpit of Trinity Unity Church of Christ last Thursday night.
The Cardinal immediately contacted Pfleger who agreed not to refer to the presidential candidates by name, but as CBS 2 reported at the time, there remained the possibility of some further disciplinary action against Pfleger.
The Cardinal reportedly spoke to Pfleger again this morning.
A spokesman for the archdiocese would neither confirm nor deny action had been taken to remove Pfleger. Another spokesman said she expected to have some announcement later today.
Indications are that another Chicago priest would take over at St. Sabina, while plans for the permanent reassignment of Father Pfleger, who's been there far longer than is customary in the archdiocese, would be accelerated.
During his time away, Pfleger is being told to reflect.
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.
Pfleger isn't going quietly. He disagrees with the Cardinal's decision.
Being out of the public spotlight is perhaps the most painful of all punishments for Pfleger.
I wonder if he will use his time away from St. Sabina's for reflection on his actions.
Does delivering a sermon from the pulpit of the Trinity United Church of Christ count as reflection?
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