Update 12/19/19:
The Diocese of Knoxville announced Thursday it has reinstated one of its deacons who was suspended in July following an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a child.
Bishop Richard F. Stika of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville has issued the following statement:
I am pleased to announce that Deacon Joe Stackhouse can return to his ministerial and teaching duties in the Diocese of Knoxville, effective Dec. 22, 2019.
I do this with a great sense of joy and an abundance of confidence.
As you may remember, in July 2019 Deacon Stackhouse became the target of what is now determined to be a false allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor. At the time, I found this accusation to be completely out of character for the man I know; a man dedicated to his family and his faith. Despite my personal feelings, as bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, I was obligated to find the truth. In doing so, I turned this accusation over to civil authorities, which, after on their own investigation, found it to be without merit.
Our Diocesan Review Board, comprised of law enforcement, health-care, psychology, and counseling experts conducted a thorough review of the facts and similarly found not credibility to the allegation. They have recommended that Deacon Stackhouse be reinstated in good standing.
There has been some debate about whether this investigation could have taken place without revealing who was accused. In fact, the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, adopted in 2002 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, mandates transparency in these matters, and the Diocese of Knoxville remained committed to abiding by these precepts.
I recognize that the investigation has not been easy for anyone, especially for Deacon Stackhouse and his family. This matter should serve as a vivid example that a presumption of innocence is always essential and fundamental until the facts can be determined.
I am grateful to Deacon Stackhouse for his service to our Church and I endorse his return to ministry and teaching.
Original story 7/23/19:
The Diocese of Knoxville announced it has suspended one of its deacons until an investigation is complete into an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a child.
According to Bishop Richard Stika, Deacon Joe Stackhouse has been suspended from active ministry and his teaching duties at Knoxville Catholic High School pending the investigation.
The Diocese said the information has been turned over to the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, and said it is not connected with a recent lawsuit filed by a Blount County man who claims he was sexually abused by a Knoxville priest in the 90s.
The Diocese said the allegation does not involve a current or former student of KCHS.