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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has agreed to a settlement in principle involving more than 100 child sexual abuse lawsuits filed last year in courts across California. This potential global resolution stems from a mediation session held on April 10, 2025. Attorneys for both the plaintiffs and the LDS Church have filed joint motions in dozens of these cases, requesting stays on legal proceedings while the parties finalize settlement terms.
Though exact figures and conditions have not been disclosed—and may remain confidential due to the church’s private organizational status—attorneys confirmed that the agreement in principle covers over 100 claims. The San Diego Union-Tribune first reported the development, which marks one of the largest collective settlements the LDS Church has faced to date.
Plaintiffs allege they were sexually abused as minors by bishops and other trusted church leaders. In many cases, they say abuse reports were dismissed or handled internally, with church officials prioritizing institutional protection over victim safety.
A plaintiff’s attorney emphasized that many plaintiffs came forward under a temporary California law that lifted the statute of limitations for filing childhood sexual abuse claims. Several lawsuits involved incidents dating back decades, including multiple allegations against local bishops and other clergy.
The term “settlement in principle” signals that the parties have agreed on the key terms of the deal, but some finer details remain to be resolved. Each plaintiff must individually approve the final settlement, though carve-outs may allow dissenting parties to continue their cases separately. Legal experts note that plaintiffs with stronger claims or greater psychological harm may receive higher compensation.
For survivors, the settlement could provide validation and closure without the long and emotionally taxing process of a trial. For the LDS Church—estimated to be worth nearly $300 billion—the agreement could help avoid potentially costly jury verdicts in California, where such awards tend to be substantial.
Although rare, settlements of this scale could potentially include non-monetary provisions such as apologies, but institutional policy changes are unlikely, according to experts familiar with clergy abuse litigation.
The parties have asked the court to pause proceedings until July 28, 2025, to allow time to finalize the deal.
Survivors Of LDS Sexual Abuse Are Coming Forward To Hold The Church Accountable
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse within the LDS Church, you may still have time to pursue justice.
Visit our comprehensive LDS sexual abuse lawsuit resource to learn more about your legal options.
