Demonstrations in front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville on October 30, 2022 were followed by a press conference in Lakeshore Park.
Topic of press conference: Bishop Richard Stika must resign or be removed. Enough is enough.
Speakers discussed the many examples of why Stika is unfit to fulfill his role as shepherd of tje Diocese of Knoxville.
- Fighting in court to make a rape victim file a lawsuit under his name instead of the pseudonym, "John Doe". Where is the compassionate church?
- Telling everyone he can that John Doe will be too embarrassed to file under his name and, therefore, the lawsuit is "over." NOT TRUE. The lawsuit goes forward.
- Silencing of victims of clergy sexual abuse in settlement papers in violation of the Dallas Charter of 2002.
- Intimidation of anyone who does not agree with him.
- Retaliation when priests, deacons, and laity (or anyone) fail to agree with him.
- The betrayal of trust at St. Mary's Church in Gatlinburg in the criminal case against the pastor. Unfair treatment of Jane Doe, victim of Fr. Antony Punnackal because Stika will not follow diocesan policy.
- Totally lying about the "compassion" for victims of clergy sexual abuse or adult sexual exploitation by priests.
- Failure of the Diocese of Knoxville to educate the people about the new law in Tennessee beginning July 1, 2021 which charges clergy who sexually exploit adults with a Class E felony.
- Changing policy to get the outcome he wants (i.e. revision of the bylaws of the Diocesan Review Board).
- And much more.
