NEBRASKA
Lincoln Journal Star
By ERIN ANDERSEN / Lincoln Journal Star
For the first time, the Diocese of Lincoln publicly released its annual finance report, revealing that more than half of its $21.29 million in reserve funds have been used to cover yearly expenses since 2008.
The statement, published in the Nov. 26 issue of the diocese’s newspaper, the Southern Nebraska Register, included a letter from Bishop James Conley, noting that the diocese is at “an important crossroads.”
At the crux of that crossroads is a $53 million capital campaign the diocese will launch in early January. Called Joy of the Gospel campaign, money will be earmarked to create more sustainable options supporting Catholic education, retired priests and seminarians, and help parishes and religious orders with needed building projects — without subsidies from budget reserves.
While dioceses across the country — including Omaha, Wichita and Denver — long have made financial reports public, the Lincoln diocese never has, said JD Flynn, special assistant to the bishop. By publishing the report, Conley hoped to tell the truth about the diocese’s financial position and demonstrate its need for creative fundraising and financial planning in the years to come, Flynn said.
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