Statement from Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt regarding
Archbishop Vigano's testimony

Statement from Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt,
supporting Cardinal DiNardo’s calls for an investigation of the testimony of Archbishop Vigano regarding Archbishop McCarrick

September 4, 2018

The crimes of sexual abuse by the clergy and the cover-up that followed has destroyed so many innocent lives and profoundly wounded the people of God, who so deeply love their Catholic faith.

Following upon both the accusations of the abuse committed by Archbishop McCarrick and the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report, new questions have been raised in recent days by the former Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, implicating others in Church leadership in connection with Archbishop McCarrick. Because Archbishop Viganò held a unique and important position of leadership serving the Church in our country, the questions raised in his statement must be taken seriously.

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Statement from Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt - August 17, 2018

August 17, 2018

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This past week I was sickened to learn about the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report detailing the sexual abuse of children by priests across Pennsylvania over the past 70 years. Particularly devastating was the finding that bishops and other church leaders had covered up these crimes instead of reporting them.

I am deeply ashamed that those in positions of authority have acted in this way. Sexual abuse is about the most extreme violation that anyone could inflict upon another person. For a priest or bishop to do so is unspeakable. In the case of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the one entrusted to ensure the safety of others, was himself the problem.

This evil needs to be cast out of our church. I am committed to act upon any report of sexual abuse and misconduct by a member of the clergy or Parish staff member that I receive as bishop of this diocese.

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Victim Assistance

If you or someone you care about are suffering the pain of abuse, the Church wants to help.  Please contact our Victim Assistance Coordinators to report church-related incidents of abuse or to seek support and find resources.

Nebraska Bishops Speak on the Death Penalty

The Nebraska Bishops issued a statement following clarification to

the teaching on the death penalty made by the Holy Father: 

Click here to read full statement