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The effort to consolidate nearly 50 federal sexual abuse lawsuits against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been denied by a panel of federal judges, meaning the cases will proceed separately in courts across the country.
In an April 3 ruling, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) rejected a motion that sought to centralize all child sexual abuse claims against the LDS Church into one court — the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Plaintiffs had argued that consolidating the lawsuits would help streamline discovery, avoid inconsistent rulings, and ensure a more efficient process as additional cases are filed in the years ahead.
The JPML is the federal body responsible for deciding whether related civil cases pending in multiple districts should be combined into one court for pretrial proceedings. These multidistrict litigations, or MDLs, are often used when lawsuits involve shared facts, such as product liability or widespread corporate misconduct.
In this case, however, the JPML concluded that the LDS abuse lawsuits were too varied in scope and detail to be managed as a single MDL. “On the basis of the papers filed and the hearing session held, we conclude that centralization is not necessary for the convenience of the parties and witnesses or to further the just and efficient conduct of the litigation,” the panel wrote.
According to the ruling, the lawsuits involve abuse that allegedly occurred between 1968 and 2023, across numerous locations and under varying circumstances. Alleged perpetrators include church leaders, missionaries, volunteers, teachers, and even family members, and each case raises different legal and factual questions. The panel also noted that church policies on abuse reporting evolved over that five-decade span, further complicating efforts to consolidate the cases.
What The Ruling Means for Survivors
If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse within the LDS Church and have filed a lawsuit — or are considering one — this decision may feel confusing or even disappointing. But here’s what you need to know:
- Your case will still proceed. The JPML’s decision does not dismiss any lawsuits. It simply means that each case will move forward in the court where it was filed.
- You still have a strong legal path. Many survivors benefit from individualized legal strategies. Handling the lawsuits separately may allow courts to focus more closely on the facts and damages specific to each survivor’s experience.
- It might take more time. One downside of not consolidating cases is that there could be some duplication of work, especially around pretrial discovery and document requests. But experienced attorneys will navigate this process to avoid delays where possible.
- You’re not alone. Although the cases won’t be heard together, the growing number of lawsuits underscores that many survivors are speaking out and seeking accountability from one of the most powerful religious institutions in the U.S.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has approximately 6.8 million members in the U.S. and is considered one of the wealthiest private organizations in the world, faces growing legal scrutiny over decades of abuse allegations. Plaintiffs claim the church was aware of abuse but prioritized institutional protection over child safety.
For survivors unsure about what this decision means or how it might affect their ability to pursue justice, now is a good time to consult with an attorney familiar with LDS Church abuse litigation. Legal professionals can help ensure that your rights are protected and that your case moves forward effectively, even without the MDL.
If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual abuse connected to the LDS Church, you are not alone—and you have legal rights. To learn more about your options and how to seek justice, visit SurvivorsRights.com’s Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit page.
