Longtime activist and South Side Rev. Michael Pfleger responded to charges of sexually abusing a child more than 40 years ago, according to The Chicago Tribune.

"I am devastated, hurt and yes angry, but I am first, a person of faith, I Trust God," Pfleger said in comments posted on Facebook. "Please keep me in prayer and the Faith Community of St. Sabina. I have been asked by the diocese not to speak out at this time."

In addition, supporters appeared at Pfleger's parish Jan. 6 to express their support of him.

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich sent a letter to the St. Sabina parish stating that Pfleger will be stepping away from his ministry after being accused of sexually abusing a child more than 40 years ago, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

In the letter, Cupich said the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review received an allegation of sexual abuse of a child that happened more than four decades ago.

Cupich said the allegation has not been proven true or false, so there should be no presumption of guilt or innocence.

Pfleger, 71, became a priest in the Chicago Archdiocese in 1975 and pastor of St. Sabina in 1981. For decades, he's been one of the city's most outspoken and politically active faith leaders.

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