A former diocese organist filed suit in February 2022. Some laity and priests are unhappy with Stika's staunch defense of a seminarian accused of rape.
Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, is being investigated by the Vatican over his leadership style and possible mishandling of abuse cases. As the investigation has lingered for months, lay Catholics tell NCR the diocese is a "hot mess." Stika says he has helped the diocese grow and points to his fundraising success.