LINCOLN (NE)
News Press
April 5, 2019
By Andy Raun
Calling for vigilance on the part of all church members to prevent future instances of child sexual abuse, Bishop James Conley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln has released a list of 12 men who have worked in priestly ministry in the diocese and have been the subject of allegations involving minors or young adults.
The list released Tuesday includes the names of nine priests or former priests who have served in the diocese — including four who held positions at one time in Tribland communities — who have been the subject of “substantiated” allegations of sexual misconduct or sexual abuse involving minors or young adults through the years, by the reckoning of an independent task force advising Conley on child abuse, sexual misconduct and related matters.
Three other priests, including a deceased former longtime diocesan vocations director, were identified as being under investigation for alleged misconduct involving minors or young adults.
The Diocese of Lincoln encompasses all of Nebraska south of the Platte River and includes all of the Nebraska portion of Tribland.
Conley, who has led the diocese since 2012, released the list of accused priests or former priests in a special statement alongside a newly revised, comprehensive diocesan policy for the protection of youth.
The policy revisions, which take effect June 1, cover everything from protocol for clergy and seminarians participating in youth outings, to procedures church personnel must follow in reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to civil and ecclesiastical authorities.
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