Arkansas Judge Allows Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against LDS Church to Proceed

A Pulaski County Circuit Court judge has allowed a civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse within a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints affiliated congregation in Arkansas to move forward, rejecting early efforts to dismiss the case and setting the stage for further litigation. The lawsuit alleges that church leaders failed to protect children despite warning signs and a known risk of sexual misconduct, according to a court filing provided by the non-profit LDS sexual abuse watchdog, Floodlit.org.

The complaint centers on allegations that a man affiliated with a local LDS congregation was allowed ongoing access to children despite behavior that plaintiffs say should have raised immediate concerns. The lawsuit claims church leadership failed to take reasonable steps to restrict the individual’s access, report concerns, or implement safeguards that could have prevented sexual abuse.

According to the filing, the plaintiff alleges the church and its affiliated entities exercised authority and control over the individual, including allowing him to interact regularly with children through church activities. The lawsuit argues this relationship created a duty to protect minors, a duty the defendants allegedly breached.

The court rejected arguments that the church entities could not be held responsible for the alleged abuse. In its ruling, the court found that the plaintiff sufficiently alleged facts to support claims that the defendants had knowledge of risks and failed to act appropriately. The judge also found that questions about control, foreseeability, and institutional responsibility are issues that should be resolved through evidence rather than dismissed at the pleading stage.

The lawsuit includes claims related to negligence, negligent supervision, and failure to warn. It also alleges that internal church practices and decision making contributed to an environment where sexual abuse could occur without timely intervention. The defendants have denied wrongdoing and maintain that they followed applicable policies and procedures.

The case adds to a growing number of lawsuits nationwide alleging institutional failures by religious organizations to prevent sexual abuse. While the ruling does not determine liability, it allows discovery to proceed, meaning internal records, communications, and policies may be examined as the case moves forward.

Legal observers say the decision is significant for Arkansas survivors because it affirms that institutions can face scrutiny when allegations suggest they had the ability and opportunity to prevent sexual abuse but failed to act. The case remains pending in Pulaski County Circuit Court.