Jury finds priest not guilty; statement from diocese

With great relief, I want you to know that a jury in Sevier County has found Father Antony Punnackal NOT guilty of all criminal charges brought against him last year. The stress Father Punnackal had to endure in the many months leading up to his trial must have been unimaginable, but he always maintained his innocence and we are grateful that the jury heard the testimony, evaluated the evidence, and agreed.

Back when Father Punnackal was first charged, the diocese said that we would not comment on the case at that time and that we trusted the legal process. We remain committed to that trust. Soon, we hope to hear more about a civil lawsuit brought against the diocese in this matter. We will refrain from commenting on it until its fate can be decided.

A final note on Father Punnackal: His ministry to the people of the diocese, and especially to those at St. Mary Parish in Gatlinburg where he most recently served, has been a tremendous gift. The decision to remove him from active ministry was difficult but necessary. No matter what he decides for his future, his vision and work, especially helping the people of Gatlinburg in their recovery from the 2016 wildfires, and building a new parish family life center, will remain lasting symbols of his work here. Please keep Father Punnackal in your prayers.

In Christ,

Father Doug Owens
Delegate to the Apostolic Administrator