CNA Staff, Nov 12, 2020 / 10:07 am
Bishop James Conley announced that he is resuming full pastoral care of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, following an 11-month leave of absence to receive mental health treatment.
Conley said Pope Francis had approved his return, effective November 13.
"During the past 11 months, I have received wonderful care from my spiritual director, mental health professionals, and medical doctors, along with the loving support and prayers of my family, my brother bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful," Conley said in a November 12 statement. "Through their help, I have been able to arrive at a positive path forward with more balance in my life, which, I pray, will allow me to serve the Diocese of Lincoln in a greater way."
In December 2019, Conley announced that he was taking a medical leave of absence from his ministry as Bishop of Lincoln, after being medically diagnosed with anxiety, depression, chronic insomnia, and debilitating tinnitus - a constant ringing in the ears. His doctors encouraged him to take a leave of absence in order to rest and receive medical and psychological treatment, which he did at a retreat center in Phoenix.