LDS Church responds to an article alleging Church leaders hiding sexual abuse reports

On early, Thursday Morning, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Rezendes, released an investigative article to the Associated Press titled, “Seven Years of sex abuse: How Mormon officials let it happen. The AP has recently obtained nearly 12,000 pages of sealed records from child sex abuse lawsuits against the Church.

The investigation covers an extensive report and the alleged failure of Church leaders and officials to protect children from sexual abuse after it had been reported.

Following the release of the article, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released an official statement addressing the issue, Friday, 2022 Aug 05.

“The abuse of a child or any other individual is inexcusable. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes this, teaches this, and dedicates tremendous resources and efforts to prevent report, and address abuse. Our hearts break for these children and all victims of abuse.”

“The nature and the purpose of the Church’s helpline was seriously mischaracterized in a recent Associated Press article. The helpline is instrumental in ensuring that all legal requirements for reporting are met. It provides a place for local leaders, who serve voluntarily, to receive direction from experts to determine who should make a report and whether they (local leaders) should play a role in that reporting. When a leader calls the helpline, the conversation is about how to stop the abuse, care for the victim, and ensure compliance with reporting obligations, even in cases when the law provides clergy-penitent privilege or restricts what can be shared from private ecclesiastical conversations.”

“The helpline is just one of many safeguards put in place by the Church. Any member serving in a role with children or youth is required to complete training every few years about how to watch for, report, and address abuse. Leaders and members are offered resources on how to prevent, address and report the abuse of any kind. Church teachings and handbooks are clear and unequivocal about the evils of abuse. Members who violate those teachings are disciplined by the Church and may lose their privileges or membership. These are just a few examples.”

“The story presented in the AP article is oversimplified and incomplete and is a serious misrepresentation of the Church and its efforts. We will continue to teach and follow Jesus Christ’s admonition to care for one another, especially in our efforts related to abuse.”