The Pillar portal reports the death of Mr. Rick Stika, former bishop of the Diocese of Knoxville, at age 68, following a resignation in 2023 amid allegations he interfered with an investigation into a seminarian’s sexual assault. Stika admitted to removing a diocesan review board investigator, stating he “knew in [his] heart” the accused was innocent, and maintained a close relationship with the seminarian. His resignation cited health and emotional weight from “questions about my leadership,” and he disclosed being
Source:
Bishop Rick Stika, former bishop of Knoxville, dies at 68 (pillarcatholic.com)
Date: 17.02.2026