The Legal Challenges Facing the LDS Church

Allegations of sexual abuse in the LDS Church date back decades. The church’s hierarchical structure, emphasis on male priesthood authority, and culture of confidentiality have all contributed to the suppression of abuse reports.

One key issue has been the LDS Church’s helpline, which, according to an Associated Press investigation, was designed not primarily to help victims, but to shield the church from liability. The helpline allegedly directed bishops to church attorneys before advising on whether to report abuse to law enforcement.

Notable Lawsuits Against the LDS Church

1. Arizona Case: John Goodrich

In Idaho, John Goodrich, a former LDS bishop, was accused of sexually abusing his daughter during her childhood. Despite his daughter’s allegations and recorded confessions, the church’s legal counsel advised against reporting the abuse, citing clergy-penitent privilege. This led to the dismissal of charges in Idaho. Goodrich was later arrested in Virginia on multiple felony charges. The church reportedly offered the victim’s family a confidentiality agreement to prevent further disclosure. Source

2. West Virginia Case: Michael Jensen

In West Virginia, Michael Jensen, an LDS missionary, was convicted of sexually abusing children. Despite knowledge of the abuse, church leaders failed to report him to authorities upon his return from a mission trip. This negligence allowed Jensen to continue his abuse before his eventual arrest and conviction. Source

The Role of an LDS Church Abuse Lawyer

A qualified LDS Church abuse lawyer is not just a legal representative but an advocate for justice. These legal professionals understand the complexities of institutional abuse cases and how the LDS Church’s internal systems work. They help survivors:

• Investigate historical abuse
  
  
• File civil lawsuits to pursue compensation
  
  
• Protect survivor anonymity
  
  
• Navigate church policies and legal obstacles
  
  
• Challenge statutes of limitations
  
  

Legal professionals are now focusing on exposing the systems that allowed abuse to persist—and ensuring the church is held accountable.

Legal Barriers Survivors Face

Survivors of LDS Church abuse often face legal and psychological hurdles, including:

• Statutes of limitation: Some states have passed laws extending or eliminating time limits for filing abuse claims, but others still restrict access to justice.
  
  
• Church autonomy: Religious institutions are often protected by the First Amendment, making legal proceedings complex.
  
  
• Fear of retaliation or disbelief: Many survivors fear being shunned or disbelieved, especially in tight-knit religious communities.
  
  

A lawyer with experience in LDS Church abuse lawsuits understands how to handle these challenges sensitively and strategically.

Impact on the LDS Church

The growing number of lawsuits has already impacted the church in several ways:

• Public scrutiny and reputation damage
  
  
• Increased legal costs and settlements
  
  
• More transparency demands from members
  
  
• Policy revisions in how abuse cases are reported
  
  

Despite public statements claiming zero tolerance, investigations have found examples where church leaders failed to report abuse, even when victims came forward. Source

Future Implications

As more survivors come forward and state laws evolve to support civil litigation, the LDS Church may face:

• More class-action lawsuits
  
  
• Government investigations
  
  
• Changes in church governance and training
  
  
• Greater accountability demands from members and the public
  
  

In 2023, efforts to mandate clergy reporting of abuse in Utah stalled, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing religious confidentiality with child protection. Source

Survivor Stories and Support

Survivor voices are at the heart of the movement for justice. One survivor, speaking anonymously, said:
“I felt alone, like no one would believe me. But finding an abuse lawyer gave me my voice back.”

Support for survivors extends beyond the courtroom. Counseling, peer networks, and survivor-focused nonprofits like RAINN and Child USA offer essential resources.

How JusticeNow Helps Abuse Survivors

JusticeNow is committed to providing confidential, compassionate, and strategic legal help to survivors of LDS Church abuse. Our legal team:

• Investigates and builds strong abuse claims
  
  
• Offers free case evaluations
  
  
• Prioritizes client well-being and survivor confidentiality
  
  
• Works to hold powerful institutions accountable
  
  

If you or a loved one has suffered abuse within the LDS Church, contact JusticeNow for a free case evaluation.

Conclusion: Seeking Justice, Protecting Others

The legal challenges facing the LDS Church are growing, but so is the movement for justice and reform. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. If you or someone you love has experienced abuse connected to the LDS Church, it’s time to speak out—with the support of a trusted LDS Church abuse lawyer.

 Apply for a free, confidential case evaluation today.