KCK archdiocese places restrictions on retired priest

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,” said David Clohessy, director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, in a statement issued Monday.

The archdiocese declined further comment.

This story was originally published June 23, 2014 at 5:23 PM with the headline "KCK archdiocese places restrictions on retired priest."