The Diocese of Lincoln announced Dec. 13 that Bishop James Conley will take a medical leave of absence, effective immediately. Chancery officials answered the following questions about his absence.
Q. What kind of authority does an apostolic administrator have?
A. An apostolic administrator is equivalent in canon law to the diocesan bishop, and has essentially the same authority as a diocesan bishop.
Q. How long will Bishop Conley be on leave?
A. Bishop Conley has been directed by his physicians to remain on leave until his health is restored.
Q. Is the see of the Diocese of Lincoln currently vacant?
A. Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Lucas apostolic administrator sede plena, meaning that the see is still full. Bishop Conley remains the Bishop of Lincoln.
Q. Whose name is mentioned as bishop during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass while Bishop Conley is on leave?
A. Bishop Conley’s name should continue to be said during the Eucharistic Prayer because he remains the Bishop of Lincoln. Archbishop Lucas’ name is not mentioned during the Eucharistic Prayer.
Q. How do I reach Archbishop Lucas with any questions or concerns?
A. To contact Archbishop Lucas regarding matters related to the Diocese of Lincoln, please send correspondence through U.S. Mail:
Archbishop George Lucas
Apostolic Administrator of Lincoln
3400 Sheridan Blvd
Lincoln, NE 68506-6125
For daily administrative inquiries, please contact Msgr. Mark Huber, vicar general, or Fr. Daniel Rayer, chancellor. For matters related to the Diocese of Lincoln, please send to the Chancery of the Diocese of Lincoln.
