Diocese of Lincoln issues statement on sexual abuse allegations

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln released a statement last month regarding sexual abuse allegations against a priest.

According to the diocese, a woman came forward alleging that she was sexually abused as a minor in 1993, when Father Scott Courtney was a seminarian in Lincoln.

The diocese said they promptly reported the allegations to local law enforcement, but no criminal charges were filed.

An internal investigation was launched within the diocese and the diocesan review board was consulted.

As a result, Bishop James Conley has limited Courtney’s ministerial assignment to providing spiritual support to the retired priests of the diocese.

According to the diocese, Courtney has denied these allegations.

“The Diocese of Lincoln remains committed to the protection of our most vulnerable members, especially young adults and children,” the diocese said in a statement. “We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and have protocols in place specifically designed to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”

In 2018, Courtney was accused of having a sexual relationship with an adult woman, who was not a parishioner.

SEE ALSO: LPD joins investigation into misconduct allegations in Lincoln Diocese

Anyone with cause to believe a minor has been subject to abuse or neglect is asked to contact law enforcement of the Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 652-1999.