The LDS (Mormon) Church and those in leadership positions – much like other religious institutions with clergy in high places —frequently stands accused of covering up sexual abuse in its communities and protecting sex abuse offenders. In fact, in April of 2023, a California jury awarded a woman $2.28 billion in a lawsuit that implicated her stepfather, her mother, and the local LDS Church. The suit alleged that the victim repeatedly reported the abuse to church officials who not only failed to notify authorities but who used intimidation and shaming to keep the victim from reporting the abuse to anyone outside the church.
Sadly, child predators in churches are not limited to the Mormon Church but include many other major religious organizations, including the Catholic Church. A 2019 Associated Press investigation found that almost 1,700 Roman Catholic priests and clergy members were considered “credibly accused of child sexual abuse” and were currently “living under the radar with little to no oversight from religious authorities or law enforcement.”
The Reason for LDS Church Cover Ups
There can be many reasons why the Mormon Church, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), protects sex abuse offenders, including:
Trying to Avoid Reputational Damage
Religious institutions such as the Mormon Church have, on occasion, chosen to cover up sexual abuse crimes to preserve their reputation and “clean” image. Rather than address the crimes of abuse in the Mormon Church by an abuser, the church has chosen to internally deal with some cases.
It moved sex offenders to other states and other church positions to protect its reputation, pushing the problem onto another community. In one case, the church stands accused of having known for years that an abuser committed crimes. The offender nevertheless remained in good standing with the church and even gained approval for going on a mission in another state, according to ABC News.
The Belief that Church Leaders Are Chosen by God
There is the belief that leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints (also informally called LDS Church), such as bishops, have an innate authority, the “gift of discernment,” and are chosen by God through a human church leader. This can give them more authority and more power to evade accusations of sexual abuse.
Reluctance to Accept External Investigations
The church wants to avoid any external involvement in its affairs, including when it comes to sexual abuse. The way the church handles its 24-hour sex abuse helpline offers evidence for its reluctance to deal with external agencies. Rather than involving law enforcement as soon as possible, Mormon Church members pass on calls about abuse to the church’s law firm. The church seems more concerned with avoiding costly lawsuits than helping victims and holding a perpetrator accountable.
The Mormon Church generally discourages its leaders from reporting abuse in the Mormon Church to the authorities, preferring instead to deal with any transgressions internally.
Male-Dominated Hierarchy
The Mormon Church is an almost entirely male-dominated institution. Only males can serve in any major positions of authority in the church. This, together with the fact that the community is close-knit and leaders of the church highly respected, can lead to a culture of secrecy and not wanting to disclose allegations of Mormon sexual abuse.
Keeping the hierarchy, friendships, and community intact can make it hard for someone to report on their leader or friend, even if they have reason to believe a crime happened. When respected members of the church and those in high ranks commit abuse, exposing them can reflect badly on the church, its mission, and its reputation.
Child Predators in Churches and the Law
Within the United States, 33 states exempt clergy from laws that require professionals, such as doctors or teachers, from reporting sexual abuse allegations to authorities. Known as the “clergy-penitent privilege,” if the church of the accused perpetrator deems the information privileged, they are not legally required to report it to the police or child welfare officials even if the perpetrator has confessed to the crime. This has resulted in untold numbers of victims being stripped of their right to legal recourse while perpetrators go unpunished and religious organizations are shielded from civil or criminal liability.
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Support for Victims of Mormon Sexual Abuse
There are many organizations across the country offering support and resources to victims of Mormon sexual abuse or abuse by clergy of any other religious organization. One such organization is the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Available 24/7, the hotline offers confidential, one-to-one support from trained support specialists who offer victims resources to assist with steps toward healing, referrals for ongoing, long-term support, as well as information about local laws and resources available within the victim’s community.
Additionally, there are many law firms nationwide, such as Pintas & Mullins, who specialize in representing victims of clergy sexual abuse.
Protecting Mormon Sex Abuse Offenders Is Indefensible
The Mormon Church places great emphasis on morality and chastity. Exposing church leaders who have committed abuse could considerably damage the Mormon Church’s credibility as an institution. However, trying to protect and shelter abusers is not only morally wrong and indefensible, but it can also lead to a never-ending cycle of abuse and repeat offenses. By covering up abuse and protecting sex abuse offenders, the Mormon Church has arguably lost some credibility and support.
Mormon Church’s Recent Changes
Recently, the church has made some changes to turn around its image as an institution that protects abusers. The Mormon Church has launched a website with resources available for victims, their families, and those who work with children. The website helps prevent abuse, pointing victims to counseling resources and offering advice for families dealing with sexual abuse.
The church has spoken out against abuse and claims to have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abuse in the community, according to their website. The church also states that it is continually looking for new ways to prevent and stop Mormon sexual abuse.
The Mormon Church has stopped accusing and punishing victims of sexual abuse and assault for any violations of its honor code. Hopefully, this will help victims feel safe to speak up when they have suffered from abuse by a church leader or teacher.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
If you have suffered consequences due to LDS Church cover ups protecting sex abuse offenders, we can help you seek justice. If the church discouraged you from reporting sexual abuse or helped your abuser evade justice, you could sue the church to seek compensation.
Unfortunately, the Mormon Church’s actions to protect abusers may have caused many victims to feel they are somehow to blame for what has happened to them. It may have stopped them from reporting a terrible crime and trying to get justice. In some cases, survivors kept the abuse a secret for many years.
However, it should not be this way. Sexual predators need to be held accountable and should face their rightful punishment. This can also prevent more individuals from falling prey to sexual abusers. If you feel that it is time to speak out and fight for your rights, we are here for you. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free consultation at (800) 219-9622.
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