CHICAGO—Popular priest and community servant, Father Michael Pfleger, was welcomed back with enthusiasm and open arms by parishioners and residents.
On August 28 the senior pastor of St. Sabina Church, congregants and community residents, participated in an anti-violence peace march on the city’s Southwest side. The peace marches have become a staple of the outreach efforts of St. Sabina over the years.
On August 30, Father “Mike” as he is affectionately known, delivered his first sermon at St. Sabina after a seven-week unjust removal from the church by the archdiocese for unfounded abuse allegations. (See The Final Call, Vol. 45 No. 48).
Parishioners excitedly welcomed their longtime pastor back and greeted him before and after Sunday service. At the beginning of his first sermon back in the pulpit, Father Pfleger thanked his supporters.
His attorney and others that stood by him. He also thanked his longtime brother and friend, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.
“I want to thank my brothers and I tell you, one person that stuck with me all these 40-some years, my friend and (he) told me if I need a place to live.
If I need a place to stay, ‘my house is your house’—the Minister Louis Farrakhan. Some of the brothers from the Nation (of Islam) are here, stand up!” said Father Pfleger.
“As-Salaam Alaikum brothers,” he said, while turning to acknowledge them in the audience with a salute.
