Kansas City, Kan., archdiocese restricts retired priest accused of inappropriate conduct

By Judy L. Thomas
Kansas City Star
June 24, 2014

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article603968.html

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has restricted the duties of the Rev. George Seuferling (pictured in 2001) after receiving what it says are two credible allegations of inappropriate conduct. The allegations did not involve minors, the diocese said.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has restricted the duties of a retired priest after receiving what it says are two credible allegations of inappropriate conduct.

The allegations did not involve minors, the archdiocese said in a brief article published in the June 20 issue of The Leaven, the archdiocesan newspaper.

Duties of the Rev. George Seuferling, who retired in 2001, are now limited to performing weddings and funerals for family members, according to the article.

“The archdiocese asks anyone who has knowledge of inappropriate conduct by any priest, deacon, employee or volunteer to please contact the confidential report line at (913) 647-3051 or civil authorities,” the article said.

A victims advocacy group criticized the archdiocese for not notifying a wider audience about the allegations.

“We are saddened that KC Catholic officials are apparently trying to keep this quiet by putting it only in a church publication,” David Clohessy, the director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said in a statement Monday.

The archdiocese declined to comment further.