The University of Nebraska has issued an apology over a doctoral performance that imitated the Catholic Mass in a drag setting, more than a year after the incident prompted condemnation from Church authorities; the work, staged on April 12, 2025, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, formed part of a music doctorate and depicted core elements of the liturgy, including the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei. University president Jeffrey Gold confirmed the apology following a meeting with James Conley, stating that new oversight measures are being introduced.
7:08 PM
Nebraska university apologises after drag performance mocked Catholic liturgy
A drag performance staged as part of a music doctorate at the University of Nebraska has prompted an apology from the university and renewed criticism from Catholic leaders
Thomas Colsy

Already a subscriber? Sign in
5freearticles every month
Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.
- Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
- The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
- Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine

subscribe to the catholic herald today
Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.
Subscribe












