Gaslighting the Faithful

It defies logic to accuse the faithful of being outside full communion with the Church simply for wanting to attend the millennia-old liturgy of the saints. David Carter, pastor and rector of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in the Diocese of Knoxville—where the Vatican has ordered all diocesan Traditional Latin Masses (TLMs) to cease by late November—delivered a homily titled “Treasures New and Old.”

In his sermon, he addressed the recent turmoil in the diocese. However, instead of defending the faithful’s right to the liturgy cherished by their Catholic ancestors, his words conveyed something more troubling. As someone who should act as a spiritual shepherd to his congregation, Fr. Carter appeared to gaslight those who look to him for guidance, urging them to accept hardship without protest.

Examining the Homily

This article provides a closer look at Fr. Carter’s sermon as a response to his message. As a regular attendee of the Traditional Latin Mass, I share the sorrow of fellow Catholics in Knoxville. It is hard to imagine life in the diocese without this ancient Mass tradition.

"I know by now that I shouldn’t be surprised by anything that comes from the clergy, and yet Fr. Carter’s words left me in shock."

His reaction seems to dismiss the spiritual pain inflicted on the community, forcing them to accept less than what they hold dear.

The Impact on the Faithful

The Vatican's order will end late-November diocesan TLMs in Knoxville.
Fr. Carter’s homily failed to support the faithful’s liturgical rights.
There is profound grief among TLM attendees facing the loss of this tradition.

"His reaction was to try to gaslight those very souls he is in charge of into eating the stones they are being given in place of bread."

The faithful face spiritual abuse and loss without adequate pastoral care from their leaders.

Author’s Summary

Fr. Carter’s failure to defend the Traditional Latin Mass highlights a deep pastoral crisis as faithful Catholics in Knoxville confront a painful liturgical restriction.

Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?

Crisis Magazine — 2025-11-06