Bishop Stika retiring for health reasons from Diocese of Knoxville
Survivors Network which accuses him of covering up priest abuses, says the Pope forced him out
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – The Bishop who oversees Catholics in our area is retiring.
The Vatican announces that Bishop Richard Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville is retiring after leading East Tennessee Catholics since 2009.
The Archbishop of Louisville will oversea the Diocese of Knoxville until a replacement is announced.
Bishop Stika acknowledges that public criticisms over sexual abuse allegations in his tenure have taken a toll.
“People will speculate on why I am doing this. I have been dealing with life-threatening health issues most of my adult life. I have been living with Type-1 diabetes since 1980. I nearly died from a diabetic coma in 2009 and as a result I lost vision in one of my eyes. I was hospitalized for another grave diabetic scare in 2015. I have survived a heart attack, heart bypass surgery, and I have four heart stents. I am also suffering from neuropathy. Last month, I was transported to a hospital in East Tennessee for another health issue.”
The Bishop has faced lawsuits accusing him of covering up abuse allegations against priests under his control.
“I recognize that questions about my leadership have played out publicly in recent months. I would be less than honest if I didn’t admit that some of this has weighed on me physically and emotionally. For these reasons, I asked the Holy Father for relief from my responsibilities as a diocesan bishop.”
Bishop Stika says he hopes to continue active ministry, but at a slower pace, and, preferably, nearer his hometown of St. Louis.
“On July 4, I will turn 66 years old. God has blessed me abundantly. I have been a Catholic priest for most of that time and I have tried my best to be a good shepherd. We have built and dedicated many new churches including a much-needed cathedral, improved our schools, expanded care for the sick and vulnerable, and as always, I have tried to teach Jesus wherever I go.
But the group Survivors Network of those abused by Priests has a very different take on the resignation.
They say the Pope asked his to resign or face a lengthy ouster process.
Susan Vance, who leads the Tennessee chapter, issued this statement.
“Bishop Richard Stika is gone in disgrace from East Tennessee and the 50 + Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Knoxville. It is an outrage that Stika would disguise his departure as a retirement when it is clear that he was asked to resign following Vatican investigations of cover-up of clergy sexual abuse and other misconduct. It is imperative that all of the truth now be told to the whole world. Pope Francis read the reports about Stika and basically fired him. Do not let this lie of Stika’s stand. We will be lied to no longer.”
The Bishop, himself, ended his statement with “I offer my genuine and heartfelt apology to anyone I have disappointed over the years. I have tremendous respect for everyone, even my detractors. I ask that you pray for Archbishop Fabre as he oversees this diocese in the short term and for your new bishop when he is selected. Finally, I humbly ask that you please pray for me.”
