Diocese of Lincoln Statement on Status of Fr. Scott Courtney
September 19, 2025
We are writing to share information about an allegation against Fr. Scott Courtney. A woman has come forward alleging that she was sexually abused as a minor in 1993, 32 years ago, when Fr. Courtney was a seminarian in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In accordance with the Safe Environment Policies of The Diocese of Lincoln, and Nebraska state law, the Diocese of Lincoln promptly reported the allegations to local law enforcement. No criminal charges were filed.
Thereafter, and consistent with canonical requirement and related policies of the Church when an allegation involves a minor, including the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the diocese had an independent investigation conducted and the diocesan review board was consulted. Bishop Conley has limited Fr. Courtney’s ministerial assignment to providing spiritual support to the retired priests of the Diocese of Lincoln.
Fr. Courtney has denied these allegations and is entitled to the presumption of innocence, both under canon law and secular law.
The Diocese of Lincoln remains committed to the protection of our most vulnerable members, especially young adults and children. We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and have protocols in place specifically designed to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Anyone with reasonable cause to believe a minor has been subject to abuse or neglect, must report it to law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 652-1999.
