Cardinal Francis George removes Father Pfleger

June 3, 2008

Cardinal George removed Father Pfleger from St Sabina's. He didn't go easily. Background: In March Obama initially separated himself from Wright but this time he had to completely sever himself from the church itself. Recall Pfleger went off on 3-23 defending Medger and Malcolm and Wright and Farrakhan. Obama said on The View 3-28 that he would have quit the church if Wright wasn't retiring. Then Wright let loose at the press club at the end of April and that was it. Pfleger couldn't help himself so he went off on Hillary (5-25) time. Barry waffled (5-30) and then quit the church(5-31).

Here's Cardinal George's statement via LYNN SWEET. (emphasis added)

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.