LDS / Mormon Church Abuse Claims
Civil claims for abuse within the LDS Church. Bishop interview abuse, LDS Help Line policy, and institutional liability. Free confidential case review.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has faced claims relating to bishop worthiness interviews with minors, operation of the LDS Help Line, and institutional handling of abuse reports. Civil claims can address both individual perpetrators and institutional liability.
- Bishop interview abuse of minors
- LDS Help Line reporting policy issues
- Abuse by mission presidents or stake leaders
- Youth programme and seminary abuse
- Institutional failure to report or act
State Law Notice: Laws governing civil claims for religious institution abuse vary significantly by state. Filing deadlines, lookback windows, and available defendants differ depending on where the abuse occurred and your current state of residence. The information on this page is general in nature. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon without first speaking to a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the LDS Church for sexual abuse?
Yes. Claims can be brought against the abuser and the church's corporate entities if church leaders knew or should have known of the risk and failed to act. The church has faced abuse lawsuits in many states.
What is the LDS Church abuse help line?
The church runs a help line that bishops are told to call when they learn of abuse. Reporting by the Associated Press found that calls are answered by the church's outside law firm. Critics say this has put protecting the church ahead of reporting abuse to authorities.
Are LDS bishops required to report abuse to the police?
It depends on the state. Where clergy are mandatory reporters, bishops may have to report suspected child abuse, but some states exempt confessions. A bishop's failure to report can support a civil claim.
Can I bring a claim for abuse during a bishop interview?
Yes. Abuse or inappropriate questioning during private worthiness interviews with young people has been the subject of claims against the church. In 2018 the church changed its policy to allow another adult to attend interviews with youth.
Can I file a claim if I have left the LDS Church?
Yes. Leaving the church does not affect your right to bring a claim, and many survivors come forward only after leaving.
Can I sue the church for abuse by another member, not a leader?
Possibly. If church leaders knew a member posed a danger and still gave them access to children, for example through a calling in the youth programme, the church may be liable.
Further Reading
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