Just a Thought: Thank God, Father Pfleger is back in the pulpit

 

Father Michael Pfleger raises the bar of excellence as an ardent, auspicious religious leader, and giving of himself as a social and civil rights activist

 

By Juanita Bratcher

 

Father Michael Pfleger is the epitome of an “Exceptional Do-Good” Religious leader and a strong, dedicated public servant when it comes to social justice and civil rights issues.

So thank God, Father Michael Pfleger is back in the Pulpit at St. Sabina Church where he belongs.

And thank God Cardinal Francis George, with the infinite power of wisdom to do so, reinstated Father Pfleger back to the Pulpit of St. Sabina Church after a brief absence of duty from a church he so ardently and auspiciously headed up for the past 30 years.

Father Pfleger is right where his parishioners want him to be: continuing his work at St. Sabina Church where he has done an extraordinary job as a religious leader, and yes, as a social justice and civil rights activist for the past 30 years. During that period of longevity, Pfleger has covered a lot of religious and social ground in his efforts to address the negatives that can certainly take toll on a community if left unattended.

Over the years, Father Pfleger has stepped up to the plate, graciously giving of his time and expertise for all the right causes, offering suggestions and workable solutions to deal with a myriad of problems facing communities on a daily basis, and/or trying to bring about stability to both a community and a city. His life’s work and ministry have been a phenomenal of greatness, something many tend to expect from leaders whether religious, civic or corporate.

Some people are born leaders. Michael Pfleger is a born leader. He is a Roman Catholic Priest. He was ordained a Priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 14, 1975, at the age of 31. At the time, he was the youngest pastor in the Chicago Archdiocese. In 1981, Pfleger became pastor of St. Sabina Church. During that same year, he adopted an eight-year-old son, Lamar. His actions were threatened with firing by Cardinal John Patrick Cody. In 1992, he adopted another son, Beronti.

Pfleger does not need an introduction in the Chicago area. He is somewhat of a household name in the Windy City. He has made his mark in Chicago and in places around the country. His sacredness of church and his tireless community involvement emanate from the pulpit of St. Sabina Church. His life’s work ministry has been dedicated to certain causes such as anti-drug campaigns and removal of tobacco and liquor billboards from neighborhoods, among others. In some cases, billboard signs were defaced. Although he was charged with destruction of private property, he was acquitted by a jury in 1991. Sometime later, the Chicago City Council voted 44-1 to eliminate tobacco and alcohol billboards from selected areas in Chicago; which certainly was a victory for Pfleger and his supporters.  He has been unrelenting in his efforts to bring about positive change in a community and city in which he serves.

Pfleger and another Chicago Priest, Father George Harold Clements, formerly of Holy Angels Church (he was the first Black pastor of Holy Angels), at times would team up together in their efforts to deal with social justice and civil rights issues. Clements marched in Selma, Alabama with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Subsequently, Clements founded “One Church, One Child”, “One Church, One Addict”, and “One Church, One Inmate”.

In 1981, Clements was the first Priest in history to adopt a child. While Cardinal John Patrick Cody was in opposition to the adoption, Pope John Paul II allowed it. Over a period of time, Clements adopted four sons.

Pfleger and Clements led protest marches together dealing with problems of widespread drug abuse in the community. They organized a boycott of stores that sold drug paraphernalia. They received death threats in regards to their efforts. They were arrested for an Act of Civil Disobedience when campaigning against alcohol abuse, and arrested for trespassing when they went to G. Heileman Brewing Company’s headquarters in LeCrosse, Wisconsin, to meet with Heileman’s officials after the company announced plans in 1991 to market a new malt liquor allegedly aimed at Black men. Reportedly, the malt liquor had nearly twice the alcohol content of most beers. They didn’t get a meeting with Heileman officials but were arrested after they refused to leave the building.

As a longtime Journalist/News Reporter, I am very much aware of Pfleger’s and Clement’s thriving careers as Priests and their community involvement work where they have made and continue to make a precious difference in the lives of so many in regards to their activism as social justice and civil rights activists.

Cardinal Francis George had suggested that Pfleger take the position of president at Chicago’s Leo High School. However, Pfleger said he would consider leaving the Catholic Church if forced to leave his parish.

If it “ain’t broke” don’t fix it. I’ve followed Rev. Michael Pfleger’s career over the years. It has been one of a positive outlook with lots of energy in doing right by his parishioners, the community and city at large. He has had one heckuva career in the ministry and in his civic endeavors, many times going beyond the call of duty. He has walked the South Side streets with followers to shed light on a myriad of problems and issues.

Father Pfleger returned to St. Sabina’s Pulpit Sunday, May 22, two days after Cardinal George lifted the suspension and reinstated him (May 20, 2011).

It was a glorious day of jubilation for Pfleger and his congregation.

Journalist Chinta Strausberg, a member of St. Sabina Church, in an article posted on CopyLine Magazine’s website (www.copylinemagazine.com) thanked Cardinal Francis George for reinstating Pfleger.

“Thank you, Cardinal George, for doing the right thing and reinstating our Pastor and thank you Pastor for handling this painful experience in a first-class manner and in the spirit of your mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  I can’t wait to get to church Sunday. I just can’t wait for this joyous celebration,” said Strausberg.

I am mindful of that famous quote by President John F. Kennedy: “Of those to whom much is given, much is required. And when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each one of us…recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities to the state – our success or failure, in whatever office we may hold, will be measured by the answers to four questions – Were we truly men of courage? Were we truly men of judgment? Were we truly men of integrity? Were we truly men of dedication?”

Father Pfleger is back where he belongs. Thank God for his blessed leadership and phenomenal vision and skills in dealing with many societal problems.