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	Diocese, Victims' Network at Odds By Gerry Tritz News Tribune January 13, 2010 http://newstribune.com/articles/2010/01/13/news_local/nt352local16snap10.txt MISSOURI -- The Catholic Church is required by law and by its own charter to report priest abuse cases involving minors to civil authorities. But what if the alleged victim, a minor at the time, is now an adult? That turned into a main point of contention Tuesday when two members of a victims' advocacy group confronted Jefferson City Diocese officials about their handling of a Mid-Missouri priest under investigation by the church. Bishop John Gaydos put Father Tom Seifner, pastor of churches in Loose Creek and Bonnots Mill, on administrative leave Dec. 18, after the diocese received a report of an inappropriate electronic communication between Seifner and a minor. The alleged incident took place five years ago, and the minor is now an adult. After a church investigation, Gaydos will decide what action to take regarding Seifner. Barbara Dorris and Don Asbee, both members of the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP), held a brief news conference outside the diocese at 2207 W. Main St. on Tuesday morning before hand delivering a letter addressed to Bishop John Gaydos. Dorris says the Catholic Church's own bylaws require it to report cases involving a former minor to civil authorities, and she suggested state law also might. Diocese spokesman Mark Saucier said the diocese follows all laws on reporting requirements. "We notify law enforcement if it is a minor reporting," Saucier said, adding the church isn't required to report cases such as the one involving Seifner since the alleged victim is no longer a minor. "Why wouldn't you allow that adult to make the decision to submit themselves to public scrutiny?" Saucier asked. Dorris argued the law allows victims to remain anonymous, but Saucier suggested it's not easy for them to do so. Contact: gtritz@newstribune.com
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