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Fr. Courtney disciplined by Lincoln Diocese

By John Nixon

10/10/2025

(KLZA)--The Diocese of Lincoln has limited the assignments of Father Scott Courtney after he was accused of sexually abusing a minor 32 years ago.

According to a statement released September 19th, a woman came forward alleging that she was sexually abused as a minor in 1993 when Fr. Courtney was a seminarian in Lincoln.The diocese said it immediately reported the allegations to local law enforcement. No criminal charges were filed.

The diocese also conducted its own independent investigation and consulted the diocesan review board. From there, Bishop James Conley limited Courtney- ministerial assignment to providing spiritual support to the retired priests of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Courtney has denied the allegations and is entitled to the presumption of innocence, both under state, federal and secular law.

In 2018, Courtney was placed on administrative leave from his role at Sacred Heart Parish in Roseland and Assumption Parish in Juniata while the diocese investigated an allegation involving sexual contact with a woman. His teaching duties at St. Cecilia High School in Hastings were also taken over by other priests.

The allegation did not involve a current or former parishioner of Courtney, and the incident was reported to police.

Fr. Courtney previously served Parishes in Steinauer and Burchard in Pawnee County.

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