An investigation by the Associated Press (AP) into the handling of sex abuse cases by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) reveals troubling practices. The church's help line, established to assist bishops and lay leaders with sexual abuse cases, is accused of playing a central role in covering up child sex abuse. The clergy-penitent privilege, which allows clergy to withhold information about abuse revealed in confessions, is exploited by religious institutions to protect perpetrators. Nondisclosure agreements are frequently used to keep abuse allegations secret. The AP investigation also raises questions about the church's claim that the help line keeps no records, as contradictory statements were made by church officials.
The Mormon church has been accused of using a risk management playbook to keep child sex abuse cases hidden from scrutiny. Recordings obtained by the Associated Press reveal how the church discouraged a bishop from testifying in a sexual abuse trial, citing a law that exempts clergy from divulging information obtained in confession. The church also offered hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for a confidentiality agreement and the destruction of recordings made by the victims. The accused perpetrator, a former bishop, is now a free man. The church claims to condemn child abuse but has been criticized for prioritizing its reputation over justice.
Audio recordings obtained by the Associated Press reveal how the Mormon church, officially known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, employs a risk management playbook to keep child sexual abuse cases secret. The recordings show how the church discouraged a bishop from testifying in a child sex abuse trial, offered hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for a confidentiality agreement, and urged the destruction of recordings made by the victims. The church's actions allowed a former bishop accused of sexually abusing his daughter to avoid prosecution and continue practicing dentistry.
