OMAHA (NE)
WOWT - NBC 6 [Omaha NE]
July 31, 2024
By Gina Dvorak
Archbishop George Lucas says the Catholic Church asked him to continue serving the diocese until successor found since allegation was anonymous
A week after a lawsuit filed in St. Louis accused Omaha Archbishop George Lucas of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy, the archbishop issued a second statement, noting that he had submitted his resignation prior to the accusation.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha on Wednesday posted a video of the archbishop on its website and issued his full written statement to news media. He called the allegation made by an anonymous person in the lawsuit “a complete fabrication.”
“It never happened. I have never had sexual contact with another person,” the archbishop says, calling the allegation “disturbing.”
“My conscience is clear, and I am at peace before the Lord.”Omaha Archbishop George Lucas
Lucas says he submitted his resignation to Pope Francis on June 12, “as is required when a bishop turns 75.”
The archbishop says he was told to continue as the head of the Omaha archdiocese until his successor was selected. Lucas says Catholic leadership restated that directive last week “given the anonymous nature of the accusation.”
Lucas says he remains committed to the Archdiocese of Omaha and that he welcomes investigation into the allegation by the Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church. He says he is also looking into his legal options in response to the accusations.
“While this is a difficult moment, I know it is a moment of grace. Please join me in praying that the Lord will help us see His plan for the good of the Church. Pray, too, for the person who has made the accusation.”Omaha Archbishop George Lucas
Meanwhile, a member of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) demonstrated in front of St. Cecilia’s Cathedral Wednesday afternoon, calling for the Vatican to suspend Lucas.
David Clohessy, who’s the volunteer director for the Missouri chapter, said Lucas could be innocent, but that it’s better to have an archbishop in place who has not been accused.
He said if the Vatican doesn’t suspend Lucas, he should voluntary step down while an investigation goes on.
“If a police officer is accused of misusing his or her weapon, they’re suspended temporarily while and investigation happens,” Clohessy said. “Sometimes, they’re cleared and put back on the job. Sometimes, they’re never able to be a police officer again.”
SNAP has another demand. They said the Omaha Archdiocese’s list of “credibly accused” clerics is incomplete, and that four other names should be added to it.
The archdiocese told 6 News they’re looking into these names, and there could be several reasons why they’re not listed.
The lawsuit naming Lucas is one of five filed July 24 in Missouri that names 56 alleged abusers, including several priests and nuns, regarding alleged incidents that date back to the 1940s. A victims advocacy organization told The Associated Press that at least 10 of the accused are still alive.
Lucas has led the Archdiocese of Omaha since 2009, overseeing 230,000 Catholics across northeast Nebraska. The claim against Archbishop Lucas stems from the time he served as a priest and dean of a preparatory seminary in St. Louis back in the 1980s.
The AP report says the lawsuits accuse the St. Louis diocese of covering up the alleged abuse and doing nothing to stop it.
Read the archbishop’s full statement
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to take a moment to update you on a disturbing allegation made against me.Last week, several lawsuits were filed against the Archdiocese of St. Louis and Archbishop Rozanski, alleging sexual abuse there and coverup over a period of 70 years. One of the anonymous plaintiffs has accused me of sexual assault in 1988 when I was a priest in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and Dean of Students at St. Louis Preparatory Seminary.
The allegation against me by an anonymous person is a complete fabrication.
It never happened.
I have never had sexual contact with another person.
When I learned of this lawsuit, I promptly called the apostolic nuncio – Pope Francis’ representative in Washington D.C. – for his guidance.
I had already submitted my resignation to Pope Francis on June 12, as is required when a bishop turns 75. As is customary, I was instructed that I would continue in the pastoral governance of the archdiocese until my successor is named. During our phone call last week, the nuncio, Cardinal Pierre, directed me to continue to pastor our archdiocese, given the anonymous nature of the accusation.
My conscience is clear, and I am at peace before the Lord.
My commitment to serving the Lord and the Archdiocese of Omaha is unwavering.
I would welcome an investigation in the matter by the Holy See because I am not afraid of the truth. I am considering the canonical and legal options available to me in response to this unfounded accusation.
Since the lawsuit was filed, many have reached out to offer their prayers and support for me during this time.
Please know of my gratitude for each of you and how much it pains me that this falsehood can impact your lives and even test your faith in Jesus.
While this is a difficult moment, I know it is a moment of grace. Please join me in praying that the Lord will help us see His plan for the good of the Church. Pray, too, for the person who has made the accusation.
There is much work to be done to share the light of the Gospel in northeast Nebraska, and that vital work remains my focus.
Please know of my prayers for you and your families. I ask that you continue to pray for me.
May God bless you.
Most Rev. George J. Lucas
Archbishop of Omaha
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The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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