‘Frequent, consistent, grave’ conduct takes Reed from SJNCCS: DOK
KNOXVILLE – Father Joseph Reed, a priest at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School who had been suspended by The Diocese of Knoxville since mid-December due to allegations about his conduct, apparently has been removed from serving SJNCCS permanently. DOK’s Diocesan Review Board determined that following an independent investigation into his conduct, “found credible evidence to support the complaints noting evidence of ‘frequent boundary violations with both minors and adults’ and that these violations were ‘frequent and consistent, grave and unbecoming of the Holy Priesthood.’”
This according to a report made available to farragutpress by The Diocese’s Office of Communications:
“They recommend strong oversight in the future and an assignment with a seasoned pastor to provide vigilance and mentoring,” the report added.
“An independent investigator conducted a thorough review of the allegations after civil authorities found no evidence of a crime.
“The investigator questioned individuals involved in the complaints, received questions submitted to Father Reed and compiled a report for the Diocesan Review Board.”
While “civil authorities found no evidence of a crime, the Safe Environment Policies and Procedures Code of Pastoral Conduct holds priests to a standard that exceeds civil law. This code provides guidance in setting strong boundaries for pastoral ministers to safeguard the well-being of everyone.”
The Most Rev. Mark Beckman, Bishop of Knoxville who led the investigation, “is in consultation with the Priest Personnel Board to recommend a future assignment for Reed after discerning the results of (the) independent investigation and the recommendation of the Diocesan Review Board.
“… The investigation began in mid-December when two individuals brought concerns to the Bishop regarding behavior that made them uncomfortable,” the release stated.
“Given their ages and that the behaviors described may have occurred when they were minors, concerns were raised about violations of not only our Diocesan Safe Environment Policy, but also civil laws protecting minors,” the DOK release also stated.
Background information
“All DOK clergy, staff, employees and volunteers are required to complete Safe Environment training before they may begin participating with ministries, groups and diocesan organizations,” the release stated.
History
This Diocese, established on Sept. 8, 1988, serves the Roman Catholic Church in East Tennessee. DOK spans 36 counties with 51 parishes and four deaneries: Chattanooga, Cumberland Mountain, Five Rivers and Smoky Mountain.
