Reports of abuse within religious groups have come to light across various faiths, and the Mormon Church is no different. Through the years, claims of sexual abuse, cover-ups, and legal battles have sparked serious concerns about how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has dealt with these issues. While some victims have found the courage to speak up, many continue to suffer, unsure of where to turn for justice.
For those who stepped forward, their courage has sparked investigations, lawsuits, and growing demands for the church to take responsibility. But even with more people aware of the problem, many victims feel the church's actions have come up short and left them searching for answers and support.
Knowing this history matters—not just to recognize past events, but to make sure survivors are heard and real change continues. As more people come forward and seek justice, taking legal action has become a key way to hold institutions responsible. For those impacted, talking to a mormon sex abuse lawyer might be the first step to heal and take back their voice.
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A Brief History of the Mormon Church and Its Teachings
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), often called the Mormon Church, was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith in upstate New York. According to Smith, he had a vision where God and Jesus told him that all existing Christian churches had strayed from the true gospel. He later claimed to have discovered and translated the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe is another testament of Jesus Christ and a key part of their faith.
Early Growth and the Move West
From day one, the church drew in loyal followers and strong opponents. Mormons endured harassment for their views, which included ideas such as continuing revelation (the concept that God communicates with prophets today) and additional holy texts besides the Bible. As conflicts intensified, church members relocated from New York to Ohio then to Missouri and Illinois, where a mob killed Smith in 1844.
Following Smith's death, Brigham Young took charge and guided thousands of Mormons on a challenging trek west to Utah in 1847. In that location, they established a new faith-based society in what we now call Salt Lake City.
The Polygamy Controversy
A key feature of early Mormonism that stirred up controversy was polygamy. Many Mormon men in the mid-1800s married several women believing God had ordered this practice. This caused conflicts with the U.S. government and sparked widespread public outrage. The LDS Church outlawed polygamy in 1890 due to political pressure, though some splinter groups continue this practice today.
Where the Church Stands Today
Today, the Mormon Church boasts more than 17 million followers across the globe and has earned recognition for its missionary work emphasis on family values, and close-knit community bonds. Though the church has adapted in certain areas, it maintains its core beliefs and keeps a rigid structure, with Salt Lake City serving as the hub for its leadership.
Even with its reach, the church has come under fire for its historical racial policies, position on LGBTQ+ matters, and response to sexual abuse allegations. These issues continue to fuel discussions about the LDS Church and its place in today's world.
A Troubling History: Abuse Allegations in the Mormon Church
The Mormon Church built a reputation around strong family values, tight-knit communities, and deep religious devotion. But behind that image, there’s a darker reality that has come to light—allegations of sexual abuse and cover-ups spanning decades.
Over the years, victims have come forward with disturbing stories involving bishops, missionaries, and other trusted church leaders. Many claim that instead of getting justice, they were met with silence, dismissal, or even pressure to forgive and move on. The church’s practice of handling accusations internally—rather than encouraging victims to go to the police—has led to accusations that protecting the institution took priority over protecting survivors.
These problems aren't just recent news stories; they stretch back decades, with incidents dating to the 1970s. While some have led to lawsuits and settlements, many victims say we still don't know how widespread abuse in the church is. As more stories emerge and legal battles unfold, the way the LDS Church has responded over time is now under intense scrutiny.
The next parts break down important events in this long and disturbing timeline, showing how the church has handled—or mishandled—claims of abuse through the years.
1970s: Early Abuse Allegations and the Case of Frank Curtis
The 1970s marked the beginning of reported sexual abuse cases within the Mormon Church, though most cases were dealt with quietly and often in private. One case that later gained attention involved Franklin Curtis, a church member accused of abusing a minor. The case against Franklin was settled decades later in 2001 for $3 million.
Despite these accusations, Curtis continued to hold positions of trust with access to children. Rather than removing him or notifying law enforcement about the claims, church leaders moved him to new roles—a pattern that would continue in future years.
Back then, bishops and local leaders dealt with abuse claims within the church and saw them as spiritual issues instead of crimes. The church often pushed survivors to forgive their abusers rather than seek justice. In some cases, it ignored or silenced those who spoke up. This way of handling claims let abuse continue and left long-lasting effects on victims.
We still don't know the full extent of abuse from that time. But cases like Curtis' set the stage for how the church would handle similar claims later on. As more survivors have spoken up, the church’s response in these early cases has become a key point in lawsuits and investigations.
1980s: More Allegations and a Pattern of Silence
By the 1980s, more reports of sexual abuse within the Mormon Church were beginning to surface, but many never made it beyond church walls. Instead of being reported to authorities, these cases were often handled quietly, with a growing pattern of moving accused individuals to new positions rather than removing them altogether.
One notable case involved McKenna Denson, who accused Joseph Bishop, then-president of the Church's Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, of sexual assault in the early 1980s. Denson claimed that during a private meeting, Bishop raped her in a basement room at the MTC. She reported the incident to church officials multiple times over the years, but no action was taken against the Bishop. In 2018, Denson filed a lawsuit against Bishop and the LDS Church, alleging sexual assault and a subsequent cover-up by church leaders. Bishop denied the rape allegation but admitted to inappropriate conduct during his tenure
During this decade, confidential settlements also became more frequent. Survivors and their families were often encouraged to keep quiet, with the church framing forgiveness and faith as the best way forward. Many victims felt forced into silence and worried that speaking up would damage the church's image.
Though much of what happened during the 1980s remained hidden, this decade set the stage for larger legal fights in the future. The church's practice of dealing with abuse internally, relocating accused leaders, and pressuring victims to keep quiet would turn into a key issue in later court cases and probes.
1990s: Lawsuits Bring More Attention to Abuse Allegations
During the 1990s, the Mormon Church struggled to keep abuse allegations under wraps. More survivors spoke up, with some taking legal action revealing how church officials had mishandled reports of abuse . Though church leaders claimed they treated these matters with the gravity they deserved, numerous lawsuits showed a concerning trend—safeguarding the church's image often seemed to take priority over helping victims get justice.
One of the key legal battles during this period was Jeremiah Scott's lawsuit against the church in 1998. As a child, Scott had suffered abuse at the hands of Franklin Curtis, a church leader who faced similar prior accusations. The church kept Curtis in leadership positions where he could interact with children rather than removing him. Scott's case opened eyes because it revealed how the church's internal processes allowed abusers to keep working within the organization even after multiple complaints. The lawsuit settled for $3 million in 2001.
In this period, an increasing number of survivors began questioning how abuse incidents were dealt with. Many victims said that instead of being encouraged to seek justice, they were pressured to keep quiet, forgive their abusers, and avoid disgracing their families and the church. Some families were told that going to the police would make the situation worse.
The 1990s didn't bring about the full accountability that would come later, but the period did mark a shift. More people showed willingness to speak up, and the legal system began to look into the church's part in letting abuse continue. These lawsuits paved the way for the growing wave of legal actions and investigations that would follow.
2000s: Legal Fights and Rising Public Knowledge
The 2000s marked a shift for the Mormon Church when claims of sexual abuse stopped being whispers and became headline news. High-profile court cases and in-depth reporting revealed how the church dealt with abuse behind closed doors. This led to difficult discussions on who should be held accountable.
Tom Green’s Conviction
In 2001, a Utah court found Tom Green, a self-described mormon fundamentalist, guilty of bigamy (having multiple wives) and rape of a child. Green had married many young girls, with one being 13 years old. The case drew national attention and sparked discussions about how some religious practices allow abuse to go on unchecked.
Timothy McCleve Case
In 2008, former bishop Timothy McCleve pleaded guilty to child molestation charges in California. His case highlighted how individuals in trusted leadership positions could exploit their authority, while church leaders failed to intervene.
Warren Jeffs and the FLDS Scandal
One of the most well-known sexual offenders within the Mormon church is Warren Jeffs, who led the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). In 2006, Jeffs landed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list for arranging marriages between adult men and underage girls. He was arrested later that year and, in 2007, convicted as an accomplice to rape. While that conviction was later overturned, Jeffs was ultimately sentenced to life in prison in Texas in 2011 for sexually assaulting minors he claimed as his "spiritual wives."
The Role of the Media
During this decade, investigative journalists began exposing not just individual cases of abuse but also the ways in which church leaders handled—or failed to handle—accusations. Documentaries and news reports questioned whether enough was being done to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. These stories pushed the issue into the public eye, leading to a louder demand for transparency and reform.
By the end of the 2000s, the Mormon Church was facing increasing legal pressure and a growing number of survivors willing to speak out. What had once been kept within church walls was now being debated in courtrooms and newsrooms, setting the stage for even more lawsuits and investigations in the years ahead.
2010s: A Decade of Lawsuits and Rising Public Pressure
The 2010s brought changes to how people dealt with sexual abuse claims in the Mormon Church—not because the church changed its approach, but because survivors and advocates refused to be silenced. More victims came forward, lawsuits were filed, and investigative reports revealed troubling details about how abuse claims were managed behind closed doors. While the church tweaked some policies due to growing public attention, many felt the changes were more about damage control than real accountability.
Case of Lon Kennard Sr.
In March 2010, former LDS Church bishop Lon Kennard Sr. faced 43 felony charges related to sexual abuse and exploitation of children. He was accused of sexually abusing his own daughters. By November 2011, Kennard pleaded guilty to three first-degree felony counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and received three consecutive sentences of five-years-to-life in prison.
Michael Jensen Case
Michael Jensen, the son of a well-connected Mormon family in West Virginia, was convicted of sexually abusing multiple children in February 2013 and received up to 75 years in prison. Reports later showed that church leaders had been warned about his behavior but failed to take action, allowing the abuse to continue. This case raised serious concerns about whether the church prioritized its reputation over protecting victims.
MormonLeaks Document Release
In 2016, the transparency organization MormonLeaks published a 316-page document detailing confirmed and alleged instances of child sexual abuse within the LDS Church spanning from 1959 to 2017. This release shed light on the extent of abuse cases and raised questions about the church's internal handling and reporting practices
Church Reforms and Continued Criticism
As public outrage grew, the Mormon Church implemented some policy changes, including encouraging bishops to direct victims to law enforcement and increasing training on abuse prevention. Church leaders also made statements about their dedication to protect members, but many survivors and advocates doubted these claims, saying these steps didn't go far enough to hold people responsible.
While the 2010s brought more attention to how the church handled sexual abuse cases, many felt that justice was still out of reach. With lawsuits continuing to be filed and more survivors speaking out, the pressure for change only intensified.
2020s: A Surge in Lawsuits, Scandals, and Calls for Accountability
The 2020s have brought a day of reckoning for the Mormon Church regarding claims of sexual abuse. More victims are speaking out, lawsuits are piling up, and high-profile incidents have revealed major shortcomings in the church's handling of sexual abuse. Though church higher-ups have tweaked some policies, many think they still care more about shielding the organization than tackling the issue head-on.
New Lawsuits in California Shed Light on Cover-Ups
A change in California law briefly removed the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors, leading to nearly 100 lawsuits against the LDS Church. Many of these cases allege that church leaders knew about abuse and did nothing—or worse, actively covered it up. Some victims say they were discouraged from going to the police and pressured to stay silent to protect the church’s reputation. These cases are now making their way through the courts, bringing renewed attention to how the church has handled abuse for decades.
This wave of lawsuits was made possible by the California Child Victims Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors. Before this, many victims were unable to take legal action because state law required them to file before turning 40—or within five years of recognizing how their abuse had impacted them. For many, that wasn’t nearly enough time. survivors often take years, even decades, to process their trauma and feel ready to come forward.
To address this, lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 218, which opened a three-year window from 2020 to 2023 allowing victims, regardless of their age or when the abuse happened, to file lawsuits. As a result, many institutions—including churches, schools, and youth organizations—are now facing legal challenges from survivors who say they were ignored, silenced, or pressured to handle things internally rather than seek justice.
In San Diego County, multiple survivors have come forward, including three people who say they were abused by their congregation’s top leaders. One woman said church officials treated her abuse as a matter of personal repentance rather than a crime, refusing to involve law enforcement. Another survivor from Escondido shared that she endured years of sexual abuse by two male family members—both members of the church—while leaders failed to step in.
These lawsuits have only added to the growing scrutiny of how the LDS Church handles abuse claims. Like the Catholic Church and the Boy Scouts of America, the Mormon Church now faces tough questions about whether it prioritized protecting its image over protecting its most vulnerable members. Survivors and advocates are demanding real accountability, pushing for change in how abuse allegations are addressed within the church.
$25 Million Lawsuit Filed in Oregon and Washington
The church is also facing a $25 million lawsuit in Oregon and Washington, where plaintiffs claim leaders failed to report child sexual abuse despite knowing it was happening. Instead of notifying law enforcement, the lawsuit alleges, church officials chose to handle things internally, allowing abuse to continue unchecked. This case has raised even more questions about whether the church prioritizes its members’ safety or its own public image.
Tim Ballard Scandal Rocks the LDS Community
Tim Ballard, the founder of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), used to be thought of as a hero for his fight against human trafficking. This changed in 2023 when several women said he had mistreated and manipulated them during O.U.R. missions. They claimed Ballard took advantage of his role to exploit women while pretending to save trafficking victims. The Mormon Church took the unusual step of separating itself with a public statement about Ballard, showing how serious these claims were.
Ruby Franke’s Child Abuse Conviction
In 2023, Ruby Franke, a family vlogger famous for her tough parenting tips on YouTube, faced arrest and later conviction for severe child abuse. Her 12-year-old son fled her house starving and hurt prompting officials to reveal a troubling series of harsh punishments and neglect. Franke's situation has kicked off broader talks about strict parenting in some Mormon households and how religious views on discipline can sometimes lead to abuse. She was sentenced to up to 30 years in jail in 2024.
Polygamous Sect Leader Sentenced to 50 Years
Samuel Bateman, a leader of a polygamous offshoot of the LDS Church, was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 2024 for sexually abusing underage girls and transporting them across state lines for illegal marriages. Bateman had over 20 wives, with some being underage. This case shows once again that abuse still runs deep in fundamentalist Mormon groups even as the main LDS Church tries to separate itself from these offshoots.
The Helpline Controversy and Failure to Report
A major scandal broke out when an Associated Press investigation uncovered how the church misused its abuse reporting helpline based on 12,000 pages of sealed records. The investigation focused on a case in Arizona, where a father admitted to sexually abusing his daughters. When the confession was brought to local church leaders, they contacted the church’s helpline for guidance. Instead of reporting the abuse to law enforcement, church officials followed legal advice that prioritized clergy-penitent privilege, allowing the abuse to continue for years.
The church said it existed to help leaders handle abuse cases, but critics claimed it aimed to reduce legal risks and hide cases from public view. Victims and their families said they were told not to contact the police, which raised further questions about how the church dealt with abuse claims.
At the same time, lawsuits and news stories showed instances where bishops and church leaders failed to report abuse even when required by law. Many victims said they felt forced to stay quiet, with the church pushing forgiveness and internal resolution instead of legal consequences.
Is Real Change on the Horizon?
The lawsuits and high-profile abuse cases have put the Mormon church under more pressure than ever. While leaders have made some policy changes, many see them as damage control rather than real reform. The main issue isn't if the church will admit there's a problem—it's if it will change how it deals with abuse in the future.
Survivors and advocates aren’t letting this issue fade into the background. The era of quietly burying cases is ending, and the legal system is forcing transparency the church has long resisted. But real change goes beyond lawsuits—it’s about priorities. Will the church finally prioritize victims over its image? Will it shatter the culture of silence that has allowed abuse to continue?
The Mormon church is at a turning point. It can choose to take real action or keep trying to control the narrative. one thing is clear: survivors aren’t staying quiet, and this fight isn’t going away.
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Steps to Take If You Experienced Sexual Abuse in the Mormon Church
If you experienced sexual abuse within the Mormon Church, know that you’re not alone, and you have options. Speaking out might seem daunting, but you can take action to protect yourself, seek justice, and begin healing.
1. Put your safety first
Your well-being matters most. If you face immediate danger, reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or crisis hotline. Talking to a therapist or counselor with trauma expertise can also help you work through what happened.
2. Write down what you remember
When you're ready, put the events on paper. Add specifics like dates, places, and any discussions you had with church leaders about the abuse. Save any messages, emails, or other evidence in a secure spot. This might help if you choose to take legal action down the road.
3. Report the abuse to authorities
You have the right to report the abuse to law enforcement, even if church leaders suggest handling it internally. Filing a police report can make sure someone investigates the abuse and might prevent the abuser from harming more people.
4. Get legal advice
Many survivors have sued the LDS Church for its failure to protect them. Talking to a lawyer who focuses on sexual abuse cases can help you understand your choices. Some states have changed their laws to allow survivors to file claims even for abuse that happened many years ago.
5. Find support
You don't need to face this by yourself. Joining a support group for people who've experienced religious abuse can offer resources, community, and advocacy. Sharing experiences with others who faced similar challenges can validate and empower you.
6. Remember—It’s not your fault
Abuse is never the victim's fault. No religious group can quiet you or protect abusers at your expense. You deserve support, justice, and the chance to heal on your own terms.
Whether you choose to take legal action, share your story, or focus on your personal healing, your voice matters. Speaking up shows courage, and you have every right to take back your story in a way that feels right for you.
Why Survivors May Want to File a Civil Lawsuit
Many survivors of sexual abuse in the Mormon Church seek justice for more than just personal healing. They want to hold accountable the people and institutions that allowed the abuse to happen. Filing a civil lawsuit gives survivors a chance to take action even when criminal charges never materialized or too much time passed for a criminal case. Civil lawsuits differ from criminal trials. While criminal trials aim to punish offenders, civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek money to cover therapy, medical bills, and the emotional toll of the abuse.
Besides that, suing can expose hidden abuse and stop it from happening to other people. It tells institutions they can't hide abuse or shield abusers without facing consequences. Deciding to sue is up to you, but many survivors see it as a way to take back control, find peace, and make their voices heard. If you're thinking about suing, talking with a lawyer can help you see your choices and figure out what's right for you.
How a Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve experienced sexual abuse within the Mormon Church, figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming. You may wonder where to seek help, how to safeguard your rights, or if you have a valid case at all. This is where a sexual abuse lawyer steps in—they can steer you through the legal journey, lay out your options, and support you in taking action if that's what you decide.
Laws around sexual abuse claims have changed in many states, giving survivors more time to come forward, even if the abuse happened years ago. A lawyer can help determine if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit and handle the legal legwork—collecting evidence, submitting paperwork, and handling the church's lawyers—so you don't have to deal with it by yourself.
A good lawyer understands more than just the legal aspects--they know the emotional burden these cases bring. They'll handle your situation with sensitivity and privacy ensuring you decide how much to share. If you choose to proceed, they can assist you in pursuing compensation for therapy, medical bills, or other harm caused by the abuse. What's more, they can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and regain your voice in a way that feels right to you.
Speak With a Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse within the Mormon Church, you don’t have to go through this alone. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and take action if you’re ready. Whether you want to file a lawsuit, seek compensation, or simply get answers, having the right legal support can make all the difference.
Speaking with a lawyer is confidential, and there’s no pressure to move forward unless you choose to. Take the first step—reach out today and get the guidance you deserve.