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The LDS Church Sexual Abuse Scandal: A History of Cover-Ups and Betrayal

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church, was founded in 1830 and presents itself as a model of virtue and family values. But beneath the surface lies a disturbing reality: decades of sexual abuse enabled by silence, secrecy, and institutional protection.

Survivors have come forward describing abuse by bishops, missionaries, scout leaders, and church volunteers — often while they were children. In many cases, LDS leaders ignored warnings, discouraged police reports, and allowed known abusers to remain in trusted roles.

When Warnings Were Ignored And Predators Were Protected

Joseph Bishop, former president of the LDS Missionary Training Center, admitted to sexual misconduct after whistleblower documents surfaced in 2018 — but only after years in high-ranking positions despite earlier allegations.

More than 1,000 survivors have come forward with similar stories: abuse followed by denial, silence, or even retaliation. In many cases, Church leaders prioritized the institution’s image over child safety.

LDS Programs Linked to Abuse:

Indian Placement Program – Placed Native American children in LDS homes; many reported abuse.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) – The LDS Church was once the largest sponsor of the Boy Scouts. BSA estimates up to 10,000 sexual abuse claims are linked to LDS-sponsored troops.
Youth Groups – Grooming and abuse often occurred in Young Men’s and Young Women’s programs.
Church Camps & Missions – Multiple lawsuits allege sexual child abuse during LDS youth camps and missionary assignments. One case involved a cash payment to silence a family after a bishop learned of abuse by a missionary.

Survivors Are Fighting Back — And Winning

Proven Results in LDS Abuse Cases:

Undisclosed Settlement of 100 California Lawsuits – The LDS Church has reached a proposed settlement that could resolve more than 100 childhood sexual abuse lawsuits filed across California. This proposed settlement shows that real justice is still possible—even decades later. Because California temporarily lifted its statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases, more than 100 survivors came forward with powerful stories of abuse by LDS bishops, youth leaders, and trusted church members. Now, they may receive compensation and long-overdue accountability. If you experienced abuse within the LDS Church, this is proof: it’s never too late to speak up. State laws are changing, and you may still have time to file a claim.
$2.3 Billion Jury Award (California) – In 2023, a Riverside County Superior Court jury awarded over $2 billion in damages to a woman who was abused for nearly a decade by her stepfather, an active church member. While the full judgment was entered against the stepfather, the LDS Church settled separately before trial for $1 million, avoiding being part of the final jury award.
$32 Million Settlement (West Virginia) – The LDS Church paid $27 million in legal fees before paying a mid-trial $32 million settlement, closing the case of Michael Jensen, a church member who sexually abused at least 20 children while serving in trusted roles. Despite Jensen’s prior arrest and warnings from a psychologist that he was likely to reoffend, church leaders allowed him to continue working with children. Bishops ignored red flags and used the Church’s abuse helpline instead of alerting police.
$250 Million BSA Settlement – In 2022, the LDS Church offered $250 million to help fund the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy reorganization while seeking legal protection from thousands of sexual abuse claims in the process. The Church had long been the BSA’s largest sponsor, with up to 10,000 abuse claims tied to LDS-sponsored troops. But a federal judge rejected the deal, ruling that it would improperly shield the Church from lawsuits unrelated to Scouting — denying survivors their right to pursue justice.
$1.1 Million Settlement (Washington) – In 2023, the Church paid to settle a lawsuit involving a preschooler abused at an LDS-run facility.

Justice Starts With One Step

These are just a few of the verdicts and settlements that courageous survivors have secured by stepping forward. While no outcome can erase the trauma, legal action can bring validation, closure, and compensation.

If you’re ready to explore your legal options, fill out the confidential form on this page. There’s no obligation — just the chance to find out if you may qualify.

Secret Recordings, Silenced Victims

Investigations have revealed that LDS officials sometimes discouraged abuse reporting, citing internal legal advice and claiming clergy confidentiality. In a high-profile Arizona case, church attorneys allegedly told bishops, “You absolutely can do nothing” — even as a father abused his daughters for years.

Laws Are Changing — But Time May Be Running Out

For years, survivors were shut out by statute of limitations laws. But many states now allow lawsuits for abuse that occurred decades ago. That means you may still have time — but these windows are limited.

Act Now, While You Still Can

If you or someone you love was abused within the LDS Church, submit the confidential form above. Our intake team may be able to connect you with a compassionate, experienced attorney who can explain your legal rights.

You are not alone. Your voice matters. And you deserve justice.

References:

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-04-27/riverside-woman-to-receive-2-3-billion-in-sex-abuse-lawsuit-that-also-accused-the-mormon-church

https://missoulian.com/article_fe2aeb64-62c2-5a72-80e3-0fe93cef7f82.html

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2018/03/22/former-missionary-training-center-president-admits-to-asking-a-young-missionary-to-expose-her-breasts-in-the-80s-byu-police-say/

https://apnews.com/article/california-child-sexual-assault-lawsuit-settlement-b0b80f5f6cd3fdb3882f8ba4ed78bc29

https://apnews.com/article/mormon-church-sexual-abuse-takeaways-f01fba7521ddddffa89622668b54ac10

https://apnews.com/article/mormon-church-investigation-child-sex-abuse-9c301f750725c0f06344f948690caf16

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormon_abuse_cases