Church Addresses Allegations of 2015 Idaho Abuse Case Revealed by AP

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has responded to allegations of sexual abuse by a former church member, John Goodrich, who was excommunicated in 2015 after confessing to sexually abusing his daughter. The church denied accusations of attempting to cover up the abuse, stating that a settlement was reached with the survivor in 2017, but it did not prevent her from speaking out about the abuse. The church also clarified that the bishop was unable to testify in the case due to clergy-penitent privilege, and the decision to dismiss the criminal case was made by local prosecutors.