Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Update: LDS church agrees to Settle More than 100 Sex Abuse Lawsuits in California

May 12, 2025 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached a tentative agreement to resolve more than 100 sexual abuse lawsuits filed across California, including several in San Diego County, according to recent court records.

Attorneys representing both the plaintiffs and the LDS Church have submitted joint notices in numerous cases throughout the state, confirming a “settlement in principle” was achieved during a private mediation on April 10. The motions reveal that the settlement would cover more than 100 separate claims tied to allegations of childhood sexual abuse by individuals affiliated with the church.

While financial and other terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the agreement is likely to remain confidential, unlike settlements involving public agencies which are typically subject to transparency laws.

Among the claimants are five individuals connected to San Diego County, including three alleging abuse by bishops—senior leaders in local LDS congregations. The lawsuits, which span incidents dating from the 1960s to the 2010s, accuse church officials of leveraging their authority to groom and abuse children, while also failing to take action to prevent further harm.

In prior public comments, an LDS Church spokesperson reaffirmed the organization’s stance against abuse, saying it “devotes significant resources to prevention and accountability” and expressed sympathy for survivors. However, the statement also mentioned that internal reviews had identified inconsistencies in several of the claims.

The San Diego-area cases involve three men, one woman, and the estate of a deceased woman. In one case, a woman claimed she was repeatedly abused by four individuals over many years in an Escondido-based congregation, and alleged that despite multiple disclosures, church officials internalized the complaints as spiritual matters rather than reporting them to law enforcement.

The lawsuits were filed during a temporary legal window in California (2020–2022) that lifted the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse claims. Before that window closed, records indicate the parties entered into a tolling agreement that allowed claims to be filed through August 2024.

With an estimated $293 billion in assets [2024 estimate], the LDS Church faces a financial and reputational calculus in deciding whether to settle or proceed with dozens of trials. Settlement values will likely vary depending on factors such as the severity and duration of the abuse, long-term psychological impacts, and economic losses, including inability to work or maintain relationships.

Though non-monetary terms like formal apologies could be included in the resolution, significant institutional reforms or policy changes are seen as unlikely outcomes.

According to recent filings, both sides aim to finalize the deal by late July, and most legal proceedings have been paused while the agreement is formalized.

Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Overview

Nearly 100 sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in California alone, with cases spanning 26 different counties including Fresno, San Joaquin, Sacramento, and San Luis Obispo.

The legal actions allege that the church’s hierarchical structure enabled systemic concealment of sexual abuse over decades.

These lawsuits aim to hold accountable not only the perpetrators but also the institutional framework that allegedly protected abusers and failed to safeguard vulnerable members.

Latest Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

• April 2025 – The Los Angeles Superior Court’s Complex Litigation Panel continues to oversee the 91 lawsuits filed across California, with legal experts anticipating the first major settlement discussions to begin by late summer.
• March 2025 – New evidence has emerged suggesting the church’s 24-hour helpline for abuse reporting may have been designed more as a liability shield than a victim support system, according to documents referenced in ongoing proceedings.
• January 2025 – A sweeping legal action involving nearly 100 sexual abuse lawsuits has been consolidated for more efficient processing, including specific cases from Modesto where deacons allegedly abused children as young as six years old.
• November 2024 – California legislators have extended the temporary lifting of the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, allowing more survivors to come forward with decades-old claims against religious institutions.

FDA Reports and Statistics

While the FDA does not directly regulate religious institutions, the scope of abuse allegations within the Mormon Church and FLDS is significant:

• 91 lawsuits filed in 26 different California counties
• The FLDS Church is estimated to have between 6,000 and 10,000 members [1]
• In the 2008 raid of the FLDS Texas compound, evidence led to the temporary removal of more than 400 children
• Reports indicate up to 1,000 teenage boys have been separated from their parents and expelled from FLDS communities [2]

Related Articles:

• Nationwide Anglican Sex Abuse Litigation
• YMCA Employee Sexual Abuse Litigation
• Mr. Wonder’ Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Injuries & Side Effects

Survivors of sexual abuse within religious institutions commonly experience severe and long-lasting trauma that can manifest in various ways:

• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation
• Emotional Damage: Inability to form healthy relationships, trust issues, and low self-esteem
• Social Consequences: Isolation from family and community, especially when abuse occurs within tight-knit religious groups
• Physical Injuries: In cases of violent assault, victims may have suffered physical injuries requiring medical treatment

Do You Qualify for a Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Mormon Sexual Abuse lawsuit if:

• You were sexually abused by a member of the Mormon Church or FLDS
• The abuse occurred within a church setting or by someone in a position of authority within the church
• You have suffered physical, emotional, or psychological harm as a result of the abuse
• You can provide some form of evidence linking your injuries to the abuse

Related Article: What Happens If You Violate Probation?

Evidence Required for a Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Building a strong case requires substantial evidence that connects your injuries to the abuse you suffered:

• Medical records documenting physical injuries or psychological treatment
• Therapy notes indicating trauma related to the abuse
• Witness statements from people who may have observed behavioral changes
• Church records or correspondence that might reference the incidents
• Personal journals or documentation of the abuse and its impact
• Evidence of church knowledge of the perpetrator’s behavior or prior complaints

Related Article: What Is the Meaning of Apprehension in Law?

Damages You Can Recover

Successful plaintiffs in Mormon sexual abuse cases may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses for physical injuries and psychological treatment
• Therapy and counseling costs, past and future
• Lost wages due to inability to work or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct

Statute of Limitations for Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

California has temporarily lifted its statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, allowing victims to pursue legal action for incidents previously too old to litigate.

This legal window represents a significant opportunity for survivors who have been unable to seek justice due to time constraints.

Other states have varying limitations, so consulting with an experienced attorney is essential to understand your options based on where the abuse occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the Difference Between the LDS and FLDS?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) are separate entities. The FLDS broke away from the mainstream Mormon Church around 1889 because they were unwilling to accept the end of polygamy as a church practice. The LDS Church excommunicates any member who practices polygamy, while the FLDS continues to promote it as a central tenet.

2. How Does the Structure of the Mormon Church Relate to Sexual Abuse Cases?

Lawsuits allege the LDS Church’s institutional structure enabled systemic concealment of sexual abuse. According to court filings, church leadership allegedly failed to properly intervene or protect victims, instead prioritizing internal image management over transparency. The lawsuits accuse the church of leveraging in-house legal teams and counseling services to evaluate financial liability rather than support victims.

3. What Are the Most Common Allegations in Mormon Sexual Abuse Cases?

Common allegations include abuse by church authority figures such as bishops, missionaries, priests, teachers, and deacons. The abuse often involves grooming behaviors, followed by escalating sexual assault. Many lawsuits allege that when abuse was reported, church officials failed to take appropriate action or notify law enforcement, instead handling matters internally to protect the church’s reputation.

4. How Has the Mormon Church Responded to Sexual Abuse Allegations?

Church representatives have typically denied allegations, highlighting their 24-hour helpline intended to ensure church policy is followed when abuse is reported. However, plaintiffs argue this helpline serves more as a liability shield than as a tool for justice. The church maintains it dedicates extensive resources to preventing abuse, reporting it, and supporting survivors.

5. How Many Sexual Abuse Cases Are Currently Filed Against the Mormon Church?

Nearly 100 sexual abuse lawsuits have been filed in California against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with cases spanning 26 different counties. Due to the large number of related lawsuits, the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Complex Litigation Panel has been tasked with overseeing the cases to promote consistency in legal rulings and expedite proceedings.

6. Can I Remain Anonymous If I Join the Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

In many cases, victims of sexual abuse can remain anonymous when filing a lawsuit to protect their privacy. Court documents often refer to plaintiffs as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.” Your lawyer can advise you on how to proceed confidentially and ensure that your identity is protected throughout the legal process.

7. What Should I Do If I Was Sexually Abused by Someone in the Mormon Church?

If you were sexually abused by someone in the Mormon Church, it is important to seek support and counseling to help you cope with the trauma. You should also consult with a lawyer who specializes in sexual abuse cases to discuss your legal options and consider joining the lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.

8. What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Claim in the Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

Supporting evidence may include personal testimony, medical records, therapy notes, witness statements, church records, and any documentation that can demonstrate the abuse occurred and the impact it has had on your life. A lawyer can help gather and present this evidence effectively.

Get A Free Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action in Mormon sexual abuse cases. Many states have temporarily lifted or extended their statute of limitations for these claims, but these legal windows won’t remain open indefinitely. Don’t let your opportunity for justice and compensation expire.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to discuss your case
• No upfront costs or fees to begin your claim
• Payment only if we win your case

References:

1. https://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/31/us/fundamentalist-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-fast-facts/index.html
2. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/jun/14/usa.julianborger