"Knoxville Bishop Richard Stika Resigns Amid Turmoil and Sex Abuse Scandals"

Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, has resigned after facing complaints about his leadership and lawsuits regarding his handling of sexual abuse claims. The Vatican accepted his resignation, which comes after two years of turmoil in the diocese. Priests in the diocese had made direct complaints about him, and a Vatican investigation took place last year. Lawsuits accused him of obstructing investigations into sexual misconduct allegations. Bishop Stika, who has been diabetic for decades and has experienced health issues, stated that he requested retirement for health reasons. He defended his leadership, citing the opening of new parishes, ordinations of new priests, and stable finances. The Vatican has also opened an investigation into the diocese of Tyler, Texas.