KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Diocese of Knoxville, which has faced public and legal criticism over the way it handles sexual assault accusations, is starting a partnership with the McNabb Center that calls for McNabb to serve as the first point of contact for anyone wanting to report an abuse claim against the diocese.
The diocese announced the agreement Friday. It said it had been in the works for months.
In a prepared statement, Bishop Richard Stika was quoted as saying: "It is unique to partner with an independent outside agency, but we believe it’s the right thing to do. The McNabb Center shares our desire to offer dignity and a voice to those who have been victimized.”
Sexual abuse advocates have blistered the diocese, alleging leaders try to cover up accusations of abuse and protect church personnel.
The diocese faces two lawsuits, one in Knox County Circuit Court and the other filed in November in U.S. District Court in Knoxville, accusing church members of sexual battery, rape or inappropriate behavior.
The documents also accuse church leaders of brushing off or failing to respond adequately to the alleged victims' claims.
The federal lawsuit was filed by a Honduran woman who alleges Father Antony Punnackal fondled her in early 2020 at a Gatlinburg Catholic church. She originally filed suit in Sevier County Circuit Court but pulled that back to focus on federal court.
Punnackal, subsequently suspended by the church, faces prosecution in Sevier County Criminal Court. Trial is set for February. Attorney Travis McCarter has said his client is innocent.
In the Knox County lawsuit, a church musician alleges a Polish priest-in-training raped him in February 2019 in East Tennessee. The document further alleges Stika pressed him to stay silent about the assault.
The church has said in response it's done nothing wrong. The lawsuit has progressed little in the nearly 11 months since it's been filed.
McNabb is a non-profit that provides mental health and substance abuse services and assists victims of sexual abuse.
Stika, in the news release, called the move to use McNabb "a positive step for our diocese, but most important it is a new path forward for anyone who feels that they have been a victim of abuse."
It's an "independent" way to field sexual abuse allegations, the bishop said.
Friday's release quotes Catherine Oaks, director of victim services at McNabb, as saying any calls from the reporting line will be handled by a "master's level clinician" with experience helping victims.
The phone line to report such allegations goes live Dec. 27, according to Friday's announcement. The number is 865-321-9080.
"The coordinator will respond to all reports within one business day," Friday's announcement states.
