The Diocese of Knoxville has become aware of ministerial activity associated with and supportive of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X (SSPX) being organized within the territory of the Diocese by Rev. David Mary Engo and other members of the laity.
Effective immediately, the bishop of Knoxville has withdrawn all faculties, permissions, and authorizations previously granted to Father Engo for ministry within the Diocese of Knoxville. He is not authorized to exercise public priestly ministry anywhere within the Diocese of Knoxville.
Furthermore, the bishop of Knoxville has not authorized, condoned, or approved the establishment within the diocese of any priory, mission, chapel, foundation, or other apostolate intended to advance the purposes or ministry of the Society of St. Pius X.
The faithful are therefore strongly urged not to attend Masses, sacramental celebrations, retreats, conferences, or other religious activities organized or conducted by Father Engo or in connection with this unauthorized ministry, and not to provide material or organizational support for his ministry or the establishment or maintenance of an SSPX apostolate within the diocese.
On July 2, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith declared that sacred ministers belonging to the SSPX are in schism and are subject to the excommunication established by canon 1364 §1. The dicastery further reaffirmed that lay faithful who formally adhere to the SSPX according to the criteria established by the Holy See incur the same latae sententiae automatic excommunication. The dicastery expressly exhorted all the faithful to remain steadfast in communion with the Roman Pontiff, the bishops in communion with him, and the whole Church, and to abstain from participating in celebrations and activities promoted by the SSPX.
Those who have become involved in these activities and have questions concerning their canonical situation are encouraged to contact their proper pastor or the diocese so that they may receive appropriate pastoral and canonical assistance to remain in, or where necessary return to, full communion with the Catholic Church.
The diocese remains committed to providing reverent and faithful pastoral care to all the faithful and to preserving communion with the Roman Pontiff and the universal Church.