The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is facing historic legal scrutiny over how it has handled sexual abuse allegations. With more than 100 lawsuits in California moving toward settlement and an Arizona appeals court questioning the church’s reliance on clergy-penitent privilege, 2025 has become a pivotal year. Survivors, attorneys, and faith communities are asking whether these lawsuits will spark reforms that prioritize child protection over institutional reputation.
Key Takeaways for Reform After LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
- In April 2025, the LDS Church agreed in principle to settle over 100 sexual abuse lawsuits in California—the largest such resolution in its history.
- A July 2025 Arizona appeals court ruling limited clergy-penitent privilege, holding that a jury could decide whether church leaders had outside knowledge requiring mandatory reporting.
- The church’s abuse help line, operated by defense firm Kirton McConkie, remains controversial: critics call it a shield for liability, while leaders defend it as a child protection tool.
- With billions in assets, the LDS Church faces exposure similar in scale to Catholic dioceses and the Boy Scouts, which have paid multi-billion-dollar settlements.
- Legislative reforms in Utah and Washington show growing momentum for stricter reporting requirements, creating external pressure for institutional change.
The Scope of Current Litigation
The California settlements stem from that state’s “revival window,” which temporarily allowed survivors of childhood abuse to file claims that would otherwise have been time-barred. By early 2025, at least 91 plaintiffs filed cases in California state courts and nearly 50 others in federal courts nationwide. In April, the church agreed in principle to settle more than 100 of these cases in mediation.
FLOODLIT, a watchdog organization documenting abuse in religious institutions, has tracked more than 4,000 reports within the LDS Church, including tens of millions in settlements to date. Yet, the California cases represent a scale not seen before, raising questions about broader accountability.
Legal Strategies Under Pressure
Central to the LDS Church’s defense is its abuse help line, created in 1995 and staffed by attorneys at Kirton McConkie. Leaders are instructed to call the line immediately when allegations arise. The church frames this as ensuring legal compliance, but critics—including plaintiffs in ongoing litigation—argue it prioritizes institutional protection over child safety.
The clergy-penitent privilege has also been a cornerstone of defense. Under laws like Arizona Revised Statute § 13-4062, clergy cannot be compelled to disclose confessions. However, in July 2025, the Arizona Court of Appeals revived a lawsuit, ruling that privilege might not apply when abuse is discussed in broader settings, such as family meetings or church disciplinary proceedings.
This ruling builds on survivor arguments that internal policies conflict with public safety, citing the LDS Handbook’s own allowance for disclosure when needed to prevent “serious injury.”
Reform Momentum and Practical Measures
Emerging developments in 2025 reflect moderate but meaningful change.
- Compliance with Utah law: In May 2025, the LDS Church began mandatory cross-checks of youth leaders against state and national sex offender registries, implementing new legislation.
- Help line defense reframed: At an August 2025 FAIR conference, LDS counsel argued that the help line actually increases reporting, citing cases where immediate action—such as canceling activities—prevented further abuse.
- Settlement leverage: With over 100 cases nearly resolved in California, survivor advocates believe ongoing litigation is the strongest driver of reform. The risk of jury trials with multi-million-dollar verdicts pressures the church to alter practices, not just pay claims.
Whether these steps will evolve into systemic reform—such as transparent reporting systems, external auditing, or survivor support funds—remains an open question.
Legislative Reform Efforts
The lawsuits are not unfolding in isolation. Legislatures are revisiting child protection laws nationwide. In 2025, Washington became the first state to eliminate all clergy exemptions from mandatory reporting. California attempted similar reforms in 2019 but faced strong opposition.
Such external measures could force religious institutions, including the LDS Church, to adopt stronger child protection policies, regardless of internal resistance.
FAQ for LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuits and Church Reform
What makes the California settlement significant?
It is the largest known LDS Church settlement to date, involving more than 100 cases filed under California’s revival window law. While terms remain confidential, the sheer scale signals that litigation risk may drive more comprehensive reforms.
Does clergy-penitent privilege still protect the LDS Church?
Yes, but its scope is narrowing. Courts in Arizona and elsewhere are testing whether privilege applies when abuse is disclosed outside private confession, potentially weakening the church’s reliance on this defense.
Are survivors pushing for reform beyond settlements?
Yes. Survivor advocacy groups argue that financial settlements alone are insufficient. They call for structural reforms, including mandatory reporting policies, independent oversight, and dedicated survivor support programs.
Conclusion: Will Lawsuits Drive Reform?
The LDS Church’s future reforms may depend on whether litigation continues to grow or moves toward global settlements. With massive resources and centralized governance, the church has the capacity to both compensate survivors and lead in creating safer faith communities. For now, lawsuits remain the strongest tool pushing toward that change.
LitigationConnect provides free, confidential case evaluations for survivors of institutional abuse. Contact us today or reach out online to discuss your legal rights and learn how collective action can help drive accountability and reform.