From 2002 to 2015, leaders of the Lincoln diocese refused to participate in annual audits designed to uncover sex abuse allegations and gauge how well church officials were complying with child-protection policies. The Nebraska attorney general's office has spoken with at least two accusers and urged others to come forward about abuse in the diocese. James Benton, a 71-year-old priest who retired last year despite church leaders knowing about abuse allegations against him for at least 15 years. Bruskewitz led the Lincoln diocese until 2010 and was the bishop who refused to participate in the audits, saying the diocese was already following all civil and Catholic laws. The Lincoln Diocese is one of the nation's most conservative, a reputation highlighted by its refusal to allow female altar servers.

Source: ABC News September 02, 2018 16:07 UTC