Sickening.

CHICAGO (AP) — An outspoken Chicago priest suspended last month over a disagreement about a proposed transfer from his South Side church was reinstated Friday by the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The Rev. Michael Pfleger was suspended last month after remarking during a radio interview he would leave the church rather than be removed from St. Sabina Church, which he has headed for more than 30 years.

In suspending Pfleger, Cardinal Francis George said if that was the priest’s attitude, he had already left the Catholic Church and therefore was “not able to pastor a Catholic parish.”

Pfleger apologized for the remark Friday in a statement. He said he didn’t intend it as a threat to leave the priesthood, and he was committed to working with George to spread the Gospel. Pfleger also said he will prepare a transition plan that he will present to George and the Priests’ Placement Board by Dec. 1.

“For the people of St. Sabina and the Church as a whole, I will do all in my power to foster healing for all,” he said. “We trust in the healing power of God.”

In reinstating Pfleger, George said the remarks made to National Public Radio seemed to place the priest outside the Catholic Church and constitute a threat to leave the priesthood. George said in a statement that he and Pfleger discussed how the church has been wounded and the need to find a way to heal the hurt and confusion.