KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Diocese of Knoxville says an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor has led it to suspend a deacon.
Diocese spokesman Jim Wogan told the Knoxville News Sentinel on Tuesday that Bishop Richard F. Stika suspended Deacon Joe Stackhouse from active ministry at Immaculate Conception parish and from teaching at Knoxville Catholic High School.
Wogan says the allegation does not imply the conduct was sexual and does not involve a current or former student at the high school. He said the information was turned over to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
Wogan said the allegation is not connected with a lawsuit filed by a Blount County resident this month alleging sex abuse by clerical authorities in the diocese in the 1990s.
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Information from: Knoxville News Sentinel, http://www.knoxnews.com
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