Parishes cannot obstruct sex abuse investigations
I hope that the allegations against Father Pfleger are false. This is certainly not a case where something is buried. Cardinal George would have jumped on them long ago, or at least I suspect he would. Any investigation should have started with the diocesan archive.
Abuse is endemic to the culture of the priesthood - not any gay culture but asexuals in the clergy who, rather than being comfortable with their calling, feel a sense of grievance for loss of a lifestyle that was never their destiny in the first place. Others simply act out, either from being abused themselves or from not being comfortable in their own skins or with their own urges.
As for the parish, it should be in charge of its priests, not the bishop. Further, administration should be in the hands of the permanent deaconate, preferably one that is not required to promise celibacy should they become widowed or divorced. Any allegations would go to the Deacon for investigation (and the pastor if allegations go the other way.
A clergy that is outed to itself will be less dangerous to minors. While abuse will always be with us, we should not invite it by equating asexuality with holiness. It is simply another letter on the LGBTQIA. Q can also mean questioning. More priests should do that.
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