Mormon Sex Abuse: 91 New Lawsuits Filed Against LDS Church in California

The Mormon Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS Church, is facing a new wave of sex abuse claims. A total of 91 new lawsuits have been filed in California, alleging Mormon sex abuse and institutional failures to protect children from abuse. These claims bring renewed attention to the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse within religious organizations and the long-lasting impact on survivors.

The new lawsuits, which name 97 former Mormon leaders and church members, claim that church leaders allegedly failed to report instances of child abuse, moved accused individuals to different congregations, and discouraged victims from coming forward. The legal proceedings will likely shed light on the Mormon Church’s procedures for handling abuse allegations and may lead to changes in how religious institutions address child protection.

Overview of the Mormon Sex Abuse Lawsuits

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facing 91 new sex abuse lawsuits filed in California, all since August 26, 2024. The lawsuits span 26 California counties, from Los Angeles to Yuba, highlighting the widespread nature of the alleged abuse. 

Allegations of Abuse and Cover-ups

The child sex abuse lawsuits against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints allege a pattern of institutional abuse and cover-ups. The allegations span decades and involve individuals in a wide range of LDS church positions, including bishops, elders, and missionaries. Some complaints allege that abuse took place in bishops’ offices within church buildings. The lawsuits accuse the church of prioritizing its reputation over the well-being of victims, leading to public outcry and demands for accountability. 

Legal Proceedings and Church Response

On September 6, 2024, a petition for coordination was submitted to the Riverside County Superior Court, requesting that all 91 Mormon sex abuse claims be considered as a coordinated set of actions. This move aims to streamline the legal proceedings. However, earlier this month, the LDS Church filed a notice of removal to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeking to have the lawsuits moved to federal court. 

Broader Context of Mormon Church Abuse Claims

The recent lawsuits against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are part of a larger pattern of abuse allegations within religious institutions. The Mormon Church has faced scrutiny over its handling of abuse claims, with critics arguing that its internal policies have been inadequate in addressing and preventing abuse. Some argue that certain church teachings may inadvertently contribute to a culture that silences victims. The relationship between clergy and laity, built on trust and respect, has been strained by these allegations. 

Legal rulings have sometimes granted the church exemptions in revealing information about abuse from confessional settings, leading to criticism about the potential internal handling of abuse allegations without external accountability.