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Cardinal Francis George suspended an outspoken priest from St. Sabina Catholic Church, a South Side Chicago parish.

In a sternly written letter to Father Pfleger, the Cardinal referred to the priest's recent remarks in the media that he would leave the Catholic Church if he were removed from St. Sabina. "If that is your attitude, you have already left the Catholic Church and are therefore not able to pastor a Catholic parish," the Cardinal wrote.

http://www.courageouspriest.com/cardinal-george-suspends-priest

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Good for His Eminence! Enough of Father Pfleger's antics. Maybe he will find an assignment with Jeremiah Wright's "church" or in the Obama Administration.

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Originally Posted by monksilouan
Good for His Eminence! Enough of Father Pfleger's antics. Maybe he will find an assignment with Jeremiah Wright's "church" or in the Obama Administration.

Byzcath needs a "like" button.

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Originally Posted by JDC
Originally Posted by monksilouan
Good for His Eminence! Enough of Father Pfleger's antics. Maybe he will find an assignment with Jeremiah Wright's "church" or in the Obama Administration.

Byzcath needs a "like" button.
You may have been looking for a "Like" button, but I was looking for an "Offended" button.

If monksilouan believes that Fr. Pfleger is unworthy to serve the people of God in the Catholic Church, why would he wish to send an unworthy man to possibly damage the people of God in any setting? If monksilouan believes that Fr. Pfleger is too liberal, why would he wish that Fr. Pfleger find a position in the government that gives him power to further his political agenda?

We can be glad when a man who is not suited for the priesthood is removed from that office. To hope that he goes to an organization of which we disapprove is a most unbecoming attitude. We should not be sending "rejects" to those with whom we disagree; rather, we should be hoping that worthy men might enter their ranks and bring them closer to what we perceive to be the truth.

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First off, I want to agree with the comments of my sister and friend, Alicia. If one considers an individual to be 'dangerous' in a position or unsuited for a role, one is not well advised to hope, wish, or pray that the person take up a similar capacity elsewhere.

Secondly, I think that the content and tone of the Cardinal's letter can't be faulted and, in fact, was remarkably diplomatic and well-phrased. However, I'm not convinced that the timing of the letter's release - to media prior to the addresse - was well-advised. That Father Pfleger had spoken out in public venues previous to the letter doesn't change that - this is not 'tit for tat' - it's a superior/subordinate relationship and the burden to take the higher road lies always with the superior.

Thirdly, it is notable that the Cardinal, in his correspondence, appears to be still trying to salvage the situation. Notably, responses here seem to reveling in the suspension as being a 'done deal' - 'he's gone' - 'good riddance'. That difference suggests a greater wisdom on the Cardinal's part than on those predicting the outcome as a foregone conclusion.

Having said all that, ...

The issues between the Cardinal and Father Pfleger are, in no small part, the creation of the Archdiocese of Chicago. In a canonical environment that generally provides for a maximum of two pastoral terms, totaling 10-12 years, Father Pfleger has pastored St Sabina's for 30 years. While many of us can speak of instances involving priests who served for decades in a single place and the incredible bonds that build between pastor and faithful in such cases, it also establishes a foundation for personality-based issues either when such a priest is transferred or for the successor priest when illness or death intervenes and forces change.

That said, Father Pfleger has certainly contributed to the situation himself by his outspokenness, the controversial stands and statements that he has made, and the fact that he can be easily perceived to be as much or more a social activist than a priest. While I certainly can't find myself in agreement with all of what he has undertaken to do historically, I find myself unwilling to accept blanket derision of his 'antics'.

Anyone with issues about this priest's activities, statements, and undertakings ought to be prepared to address them. On the other hand, they should be just as prepared to acknowledge the incredible good that he has accomplished in the past 30 years of ministry - both on a spiritual level and on a social level. He pastors a church that has made Catholicism spiritually relevant to a community that hasn't always seen it to be so. He has done so, in very large measure, by demonstrating that the Church's concern for its people does not end when the offertory collection has been taken and 'Ite Missa Est' intoned.

That concern, as he has demonstrated it to his congregation, means trying to end, or at least significantly reduce, violence and poverty in a community historically plagued by both. It means taking on special interests that target a community by advertising products that increase health risks to its members. All of that and more.

Michael Pfleger may not be the most obedient priest in the Chicago Archdiocese; he may not be the most politically correct one; he may even have a greater aptitude for social activism than he does for the priesthood - I don't know.

And, he may never be first in line to inherit the earth but, he has done a remarkable job of demonstrating the relevance of and the application of the works of mercy, both spiritual and corporal, to an urban world where they are sorely lacking.

Prayers for the quick resolution of the issues between Cardinal George and Father Pfleger in a way that will best serve the Church and its people, the parishioners of St Sabina's, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and two ordained men who both love their God and want to serve Him as best they can.

Many years,

Neil


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I rather took it as a joke and an observation more than a wish or a hope.

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Originally Posted by Irish Melkite
First off, I want to agree with the comments of my sister and friend, Alicia. If one considers an individual to be 'dangerous' in a position or unsuited for a role, one is not well advised to hope, wish, or pray that the person take up a similar capacity elsewhere.

Secondly, I think that the content and tone of the Cardinal's letter can't be faulted and, in fact, was remarkably diplomatic and well-phrased. However, I'm not convinced that the timing of the letter's release - to media prior to the addresse - was well-advised. That Father Pfleger had spoken out in public venues previous to the letter doesn't change that - this is not 'tit for tat' - it's a superior/subordinate relationship and the burden to take the higher road lies always with the superior.

Thirdly, it is notable that the Cardinal, in his correspondence, appears to be still trying to salvage the situation. Notably, responses here seem to reveling in the suspension as being a 'done deal' - 'he's gone' - 'good riddance'. That difference suggests a greater wisdom on the Cardinal's part than on those predicting the outcome as a foregone conclusion.

Having said all that, ...

The issues between the Cardinal and Father Pfleger are, in no small part, the creation of the Archdiocese of Chicago. In a canonical environment that generally provides for a maximum of two pastoral terms, totaling 10-12 years, Father Pfleger has pastored St Sabina's for 30 years. While many of us can speak of instances involving priests who served for decades in a single place and the incredible bonds that build between pastor and faithful in such cases, it also establishes a foundation for personality-based issues either when such a priest is transferred or for the successor priest when illness or death intervenes and forces change.

That said, Father Pfleger has certainly contributed to the situation himself by his outspokenness, the controversial stands and statements that he has made, and the fact that he can be easily perceived to be as much or more a social activist than a priest. While I certainly can't find myself in agreement with all of what he has undertaken to do historically, I find myself unwilling to accept blanket derision of his 'antics'.

Anyone with issues about this priest's activities, statements, and undertakings ought to be prepared to address them. On the other hand, they should be just as prepared to acknowledge the incredible good that he has accomplished in the past 30 years of ministry - both on a spiritual level and on a social level. He pastors a church that has made Catholicism spiritually relevant to a community that hasn't always seen it to be so. He has done so, in very large measure, by demonstrating that the Church's concern for its people does not end when the offertory collection has been taken and 'Ite Missa Est' intoned.

That concern, as he has demonstrated it to his congregation, means trying to end, or at least significantly reduce, violence and poverty in a community historically plagued by both. It means taking on special interests that target a community by advertising products that increase health risks to its members. All of that and more.

Michael Pfleger may not be the most obedient priest in the Chicago Archdiocese; he may not be the most politically correct one; he may even have a greater aptitude for social activism than he does for the priesthood - I don't know.

And, he may never be first in line to inherit the earth but, he has done a remarkable job of demonstrating the relevance of and the application of the works of mercy, both spiritual and corporal, to an urban world where they are sorely lacking.

Prayers for the quick resolution of the issues between Cardinal George and Father Pfleger in a way that will best serve the Church and its people, the parishioners of St Sabina's, the Archdiocese of Chicago, and two ordained men who both love their God and want to serve Him as best they can.

Many years,

Neil

Amen, the issue with the Father, as I understand it, was not his social activism, but rather his lack of obedience to his Bishop.

This is a problem that exists in both Orthodoxy and Catholicism as one can see by the efforts of some to 'pin the blame' on Metropolitan Jonah's recent troubles on his signing of the 'Manhattan Declaration.'

Frankly, I resent constant efforts by some, Orthodox or Catholic alike, to portray one political ideology as being wholly within the province and teachings of the Church while the 'other' is perceived as intrinsically 'evil.' This goes for both lock-step, unthinking 'conservatives' and 'progressives'.

I for one will go along with the wise teachings of another Chicago cleric, the late Cardinal Bernadin ,when it comes to these matters.

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Please forgive my poor attempt at humor. I truly pray for Father and I ask forgivness for anyone on the Forum that has been offended in any way. I certainly meant no harm. We all need to have our sins forgiven and I am foremost in this! I do not just say that to sound pious. It is true. There are many times when I say really stupid things but I can say that that is merely the result of being a dumb, old crippled monk. No malice was or is ever intended. Please forgive me!
Silouan, a dumb, sinful old man

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In what is, hopefully, a blessed end to the controversy, Cardinal George has reinstated Father Pfleger after the two met and resolved the issues that had arisen.

Reinstated Rev. Pfleger to return to pulpit, focus on healing the hurt [suntimes.com]

Many years,

Neil


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This is probably a mistake, but Cardinal George is certainly going the extra mile.

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Originally Posted by JDC
Originally Posted by monksilouan
Good for His Eminence! Enough of Father Pfleger's antics. Maybe he will find an assignment with Jeremiah Wright's "church" or in the Obama Administration.

Byzcath needs a "like" button.

Or clappy hands and dancing.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross. Lift His royal banner, will not suffer loss.

When they stand for the truth, they will only gain priests, not loose them

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Originally Posted by Irish Melkite
In what is, hopefully, a blessed end to the controversy, Cardinal George has reinstated Father Pfleger after the two met and resolved the issues that had arisen.

Reinstated Rev. Pfleger to return to pulpit, focus on healing the hurt [suntimes.com]

Praise God!

I saw this after my other post. Healing is a wonderful thing.

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Fr. Michael Pfleger is back in action after serving a three-week suspension imposed by Cardinal Francis George.

http://ncronline.org/news/people/pfleger-back-st-sabina-transition-plan-agreed-upon

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I sincerely pray that the Lord will bless Father's ministry and lead many souls to the Heavenly Father.
Silouan, monk

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If, as Cardinal George claimed, Father Pfleger did not want to spend his ministry at St. Sabina's, then went public with "the Cardinal is trying to remove ME," then Fr. Pfleger has been deceitful with his bishop. Being deceitful with a bishop or a superior (in the case of monk, nun or someone in a clerical order) is grounds for de-frocking. Cardinal George offered Fr. Pfleger a position at Leo High School, not a mandate. Then Fr. Pfleger goes public on NPR with that trash he said?? I wonder if the Church is better off without an egomaniac like that. I remember the embarassing spectacle Cardinal Hickey went through with then-Father George Augustus Stallings, Jr., who now claims to be a Patriarch of all things.

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