KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — According to the Diocese of Knoxville Office of Communications, a priest at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.
A letter to Parish members said Joseph Reed was placed on leave after a complaint of "boundary violations" was brought to the Diocese's attention. The Diocese said the complaint has been reported to state authorities, and the Diocese informed Reed of it. The Diocese said it will wait for the completion of the civil authorities' investigation before conducting an independent review.
"With an abundance of caution, Fr. Reed has been removed from his pastoral responsibilities during the time of the investigation, as our primary concern is the protection of those in our care and ensuring a fair, comprehensive review of the allegations," the Diocese said in the letter.
According to the letter, the Diocese will uphold the presumption of innocence and take appropriate measures to protect the individual's dignity and reputation until facts are "fully established." The Diocese also asked for prayers, compassion and respect for all individuals involved, saying they remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining the spiritual care of their people.
According to Saint John Neumann Catholic School's website, Father Joseph Reed was born and raised in Knoxville. He went to Sacred Heart School and then Farragut Middle and High Schools.
"He was a seminarian for the Diocese before joining Conception Abbey as a monk for almost twenty years," his bio said. "Fr. Joe earned additional degrees in theology from St. John’s Seminary [Minnesota] and St. Vincent Seminary [Pennsylvania]."
His bio also said he taught and served as an academic advisor, spiritual director and liturgy at Conception Seminary College. He worked in the business and vocation offices at Conception Abbey and was a master of ceremonies while living and studying in Rome.
"Since his return to Knoxville, Fr. Joe has served as parochial vicar and school chaplain at Sacred Heart Cathedral," the website said.
According to the letter, Fr. Michael Maples will assume the pastoral needs of St. John Neumann Parish, and all regular parish activities are planned to continue as normal.
This story will be updated when more information is available.
