Governors State Honors Pastor Pfleger

Governors State to Honor Catholic Priest and Activist Michael Pfleger with Doctorate Degree

 The Rev. Michael Pfleger has been a fixture on both the south and west sides of Chicago for over 50 years

(UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill.) – Governors State University will honor the Rev. Michael Pfleger, activist and social justice champion, with an honorary doctorate degree during the 2022 Commencement ceremony at the Tinley Park Convention Center on May 14, the 47th anniversary of his ordination.

The Archdiocese of Chicago ordained young Pfleger as a priest on May 14, 1975. In 1981, at the age of 31, he became the youngest full pastor in the diocese. Pfleger, who is white, leads St. Sabina, Chicago’s largest African American Catholic church. He has been a beloved fixture in the South Side community for more than a half century—even before he began shepherding the St. Sabina flock.

Today, the preacher is known as an outspoken and fearless advocate for social justice, racial justice, and anti-gun violence. His Facebook account, which boasts more than 126,000 friends, is home to his frequent condemnations of the sale of drug paraphernalia, alcohol and tobacco advertising, easy access to guns in communities of color, among other issues.

Creating solutions to problems dogging his community, Pfleger has founded the Employment Resource Center, the Ark Youth Center, the Saint Sabina Social Service Center, the Samaritan House for the homeless, Saint Sabina’s 80-unit Elders Village and the Beloved Community, Inc.

To address gang violence, Pfleger created the Peace Tournament in 2012. During the annual event, he brings together young men from rival gangs to play in a basketball tournament to promote peace. NBA officials call the games.

As part of the church’s violence intervention efforts, St. Sabina hosts a youth group, Bold Resistance Against Violence Everywhere (BRAVE). In January, the church hosted the funeral of BRAVE leader LaNiyah Murphy, a GSU student who was gunned down her freshman year, on the far south side. Pfleger delivered passionate remarks about the young advocate.

For his advocacy and commitment to equality, Pfleger has been recognized nationally and by historic Civil Rights groups and change-makers, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (Rosa Parks Award); the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (Keeper of the Dream), and the National Black Prosecutors Association (Thurgood Marshall Award).

In 2003 and again in 2017, Pfleger delivered the keynote address for the national Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, and at the request of the King Family, Pfleger was one of the speakers to eulogize Coretta Scott King in 2006.

The Rev. Pfleger received his B.A. in Theology from Loyola University, his Master of Divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary.

Governors State University President Cheryl Green said Pfleger was chosen to receive an honorary doctorate for his uncompromising commitment to social justice, a core value of the university’s.

“When we look at individuals fighting for social justice on the South Side of Chicago, very few have greater visibility and impact than Father Michael Pfleger. His achievements have benefitted people of color in Chicago and beyond, and his demonstrated commitment to advance the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion reflects goals and principles embraced by the university’s Social Justice Initiative,” Dr. Green said.

Pfleger will be honored during the 4:30 p.m. ceremony during which graduates
will receive degrees from the College of Education and the College of
Health and Human Services. Admission to the commencement ceremonies
is by ticket only.

Father Michael Pfleger's Publicity Portraits

Father Michael Pfleger's Portrait

Portraits of Father Michael Pfleger free for download and use.

Senior Pastor's Statement

St. Sabina is, I believe, more than a congregation, but a teaching ground where countless people from around the world pass through our doors and take something with them. 

Father Michael Pfleger's Speaking Engagements

A selection of past speeches by Father Michael L. Pfleger

Senior Pastor Pfleger's Biography

Senior Pastor Pfleger speaks at the Annual Chicago Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Michael Louis Pfleger, Senior Pastor, The Faith Community of Saint Sabina

Rev. Dr. Michael Louis Pfleger received his B.A. in Theology from Loyola University, his Master of Divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from North Park Theological Seminary. He has also completed post-graduate studies at Mundelein College and the Catholic Theological Union.

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