Mormon Church Sex Abuse Lawsuits 

Holding the LDS Church Accountable for Sexual Abuse

Survivors of sexual abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church or Mormon Church) may have legal options to seek justice and compensation. Reports of abuse involving church leaders, clergy members, and affiliated institutions have led to multiple lawsuits and financial settlements. If you or a loved one suffered abuse connected to the Mormon Church, legal action may provide a path toward accountability and restitution.

Deciding to pursue legal action is a deeply personal choice. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse by a member of the LDS Church, contact an experienced Mormon Church sex abuse lawsuits attorney at (866) 535-9515 for a free consultation today.

The Scope of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against the Mormon Church

Sexual abuse allegations involving the Mormon Church span decades, with reports of misconduct dating back to the mid-20th century. Many survivors have come forward, detailing abuse by church leaders, youth program officials, and other members in positions of authority. In some cases, allegations suggest a pattern of institutional cover-ups, where reports of abuse were handled internally rather than reported to law enforcement.

Reported Patterns of Abuse

• Allegations of abuse by bishops, missionaries, and church-affiliated youth leaders.
• Reports of sexual misconduct within LDS-sponsored youth programs and the Boy Scouts of America.
• Instances where the church allegedly failed to remove abusers from positions of power.
• Efforts by church leadership to discourage survivors from reporting abuse.

Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Updates

Several lawsuits have resulted in settlements, holding the LDS Church accountable for its role in enabling or covering up abuse. Recent legal actions include claims from individuals who were abused as children in church-run programs. Some cases allege that the church created an environment where abuse could occur due to its policies on reporting misconduct.

April 1, 2025 – Key Case Filings and Litigation Developments

In the past 12–24 months, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has faced an unprecedented wave of civil sexual abuse lawsuits. Over 130 individual plaintiffs have filed claims against the LDS Church across the United States during this period​. 

This surge has been fueled in part by state “look-back” laws that temporarily revived expired abuse claims and by allegations that church leaders systematically covered up child sexual abuse. For example, California’s three-year revival window produced nearly 100 new lawsuits by late 2024​. 

At least 91 plaintiffs have filed new cases in California state courts​, while approximately 48 others have filed lawsuits in federal courts nationwide. Each lawsuit typically involves a survivor alleging childhood sexual abuse by LDS clergy or church members, often alongside claims that church officials failed to report the abuse and instead concealed it.

Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Petition

On February 3, 2025, a group of plaintiffs filed a motion with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to consolidate 48 federal lawsuits against the LDS Church into a single case, MDL No. 3150. The motion proposed centralizing all federal cases before one judge in the Central District of California, where the largest number of pending cases is located. 

Plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that all the suits involve common questions — such as church-wide policies of shielding abusers — and that consolidation would streamline pretrial discovery and prevent inconsistent rulings​. If approved, this MDL would mark one of the most significant sexual abuse consolidations against a religious institution in U.S. history.

The Church’s Response and Mediation Efforts

In March 2025, the LDS Church was willing to resolve these cases. The Church’s attorneys requested that the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) delay its MDL hearing (initially set for March 27, 2025) because the parties agreed to enter mediation in April 2025​. 

According to court filings, 39 of the 48 federal cases participated in a global mediation session on April 10, 2025​. The Church indicated that this mediation could resolve most of the lawsuits, possibly obviating the need for MDL consolidation​. Both plaintiffs and the Church jointly sought to postpone the MDL decision until after mediation, suggesting active settlement negotiations are underway​.

California Coordination

With new cases filed across California’s state courts, judges in California have been coordinating pretrial proceedings for efficiency (similar to a state-level consolidated action). By early 2025, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County moved to coordinate these California LDS abuse cases, given their nearly identical allegations. This coordination aims to handle discovery and legal issues (like the application of clergy privilege or negligence standards) uniformly for all California plaintiffs​.

$2.28 Billion Jury Verdict (California, 2023)

In a record-shattering May 2024 verdict, a California jury awarded $2.28 billion in damages to a survivor of childhood sexual abuse​. The plaintiff, a woman, had been molested by her stepfather (an active LDS Church member) for years, starting when she was just 5. 

The LDS Church was named as a defendant because much of the abuse took place on church property, and local LDS leaders were accused of ignoring or covering up reports of the stepfather’s abuse​.  This verdict — one of the largest ever in a single-perpetrator abuse case — included massive punitive damages against the church for its role in enabling the abuse. (Given its unprecedented size, the Church is expected to appeal this verdict or seek a reduction, but the jury’s message was clear.)​

$1.1 Million Settlement (Washington, 2023)

In January 2023, the LDS Church settled a lawsuit for $1.1 million with a survivor in Tacoma, Washington​. The case involved a 5-year-old boy who was sexually assaulted by a 14-year-old church volunteer during a church function. The lawsuit alleged the Church knew the teenage perpetrator had a history of molesting children (including a recent rape allegation) but nonetheless allowed him to continue volunteering with youth​. 

The settlement provided compensation for the victim’s trauma and acknowledged the church’s failure to protect children in its care. This Washington case resolution was one of the first significant settlements in the recent wave of LDS abuse suits.

Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Settlement Contribution (2022–2023)

The LDS Church agreed in 2022 to contribute a substantial sum toward the Boy Scouts of America sexual abuse settlement fund due to its affiliation with Scouting. In August 2024, it was reported that the Church’s contribution was $250 million to the BSA’s trust for abuse survivors​. 

This payment was part of a bankruptcy reorganization deal to settle hundreds of claims involving abuse by LDS-affiliated Scout leaders​. Notably, the BSA settlement addressed many cases of abuse that occurred in Scouting units sponsored by LDS congregations (one LDS Scout leader alone was accused of abusing hundreds of boys over decades)​. 

While technically separate from the direct lawsuits against the Church, the $250 million payout underscores the breadth of abuse allegations connected to LDS organizations and the church’s willingness to reach a global settlement in that context.

Ongoing and Future Settlements

Aside from the above, most other lawsuits filed since 2023 are still in pre-trial stages, and no other significant trial verdicts have been reported. However, there are widespread rumors of a global settlement that could resolve a large number of pending LDS abuse claims​. The mediation in April 2025 strongly indicates that the Church may settle dozens of federal cases together. Any such settlement could also extend to state court cases, aiming to compensate survivors and avoid protracted trials. 

As of April 2025, no universal settlement has been finalized, but legal analysts expect significant developments within the year​. If a global resolution is reached, it may be modeled after the Catholic Church or Boy Scouts settlements, with the LDS Church potentially creating a victims’ compensation fund.

Legal Basis for Filing a Lawsuit Against the LDS Church

Sexual abuse lawsuits against the Mormon Church are typically based on legal claims of negligence, institutional liability, and failure to protect children and vulnerable individuals. These cases argue that church leaders failed to take appropriate action when allegations surfaced, allowing abuse to continue unchecked.

Institutional Liability in Church Sex Abuse Cases

Like other religious institutions, the LDS Church has a legal duty to protect its members from harm. Failure to act may lead to liability for the organization when allegations arise, and survivors may have grounds for legal claims when institutional policies, leadership decisions, or negligent oversight contribute to an environment that enables or conceals sexual abuse.

• Negligent supervision. Allowing known abusers to remain in leadership roles.
• Failure to report. Not notifying law enforcement about allegations of misconduct.
• Endangerment. Creating an environment where abuse could continue without intervention.
• Negligence. Failing to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.
• Negligent supervision of a minor. Not providing adequate oversight to protect minors from abuse.
• Sexual assault of a minor. Direct criminal and civil liability for sexual abuse committed by individuals within the institution.
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress. Causing severe emotional harm through reckless or intentional misconduct.
• Negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. Employing or retaining individuals despite known misconduct risks.
• Negligent failure to warn, train, or educate. Failing to provide necessary information or safeguards to prevent abuse.
• Sexual harassment. Allowing or enabling sexual misconduct in church-affiliated settings.
• Negligent infliction of emotional distress. Failing to prevent foreseeable emotional harm to survivors and their families. 
• Institutional cover-up and failure to protect. Actively concealing abuse reports and discouraging cooperation with law enforcement, as alleged in recent lawsuits.
• Use of counseling to suppress complaints. Allegations that church-affiliated therapy sessions were used to dissuade survivors from reporting their abuse.
• Failure to remove known abusers from leadership. Allegations that the church continued to place individuals accused of misconduct in positions of authority.

Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit? 

Lawsuits against the Mormon Church can be filed by individuals who experienced sexual abuse in connection with church institutions, clergy, or affiliated programs. Eligibility depends on several factors, including when the abuse occurred and whether the legal time limits for filing a claim (statute of limitations) have expired.

Survivors Who May Be Eligible to File

• Adults who suffered abuse as children within LDS Church programs.
• Individuals who experienced sexual misconduct by Mormon clergy members.
• Family members or guardians filing claims on behalf of minor survivors.
• Survivors whose cases were previously barred by expired statutes but may now be eligible due to changes in the law.

What is the Statute of Limitations? 

Each state has different laws or time limits for filing a lawsuit regarding how long survivors must file a lawsuit. Some states have extended or removed time limits for sexual abuse claims, allowing individuals with older cases to seek justice. In certain instances, exceptions may apply if new evidence emerges. The statute of limitations may also vary depending on the type of legal claim filed.

• Sexual assault of a minor. Some states have eliminated time limits for child sexual abuse cases.
• Negligence and negligent supervision. Often subject to different deadlines than direct sexual assault claims, but some states extend deadlines when institutions are involved.
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress. This may have a shorter filing deadline, but extended limitations may apply in cases tied to abuse.
• Negligent hiring, supervision & retention. Time limits vary but may be affected by laws specific to institutional abuse cases.
• Negligent failure to warn, train, or educate. This claim is often linked to broader institutional liability laws, which may have separate statutes of limitations.
• Sexual harassment. If filed under employment laws, shorter deadlines apply (e.g., claims with the EEOC may require filing within months).
• Tolling under California Insurance Code §11583. Some lawsuits have argued that counseling services provided by the LDS Church qualify as “advance payments,” delaying the statute of limitations until survivors receive written notice.

Survivors should seek legal counsel to determine their specific case's applicable statute of limitations.

Steps to Filing a Mormon Church Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit against the LDS Church involves several legal steps. Survivors considering legal action should know the process and what to expect.

1. Documenting the Abuse and Gathering Evidence

• Keep records of any communications related to the abuse.
• Obtain medical, psychological, or counseling records if applicable.
• Identify potential witnesses who may have relevant information.

2. Reporting the Misconduct

• Survivors may report abuse to law enforcement in their jurisdiction.
• Some may file complaints within the LDS Church, though this is not legally required.
• Legal action can proceed independently of any internal church investigation.

3. Filing a Legal Complaint

• A formal civil court lawsuit against the LDS Church or affiliated institutions is filed in civil court.
• The complaint outlines allegations, supporting evidence, and damages sought.
• The case may proceed to negotiations for a settlement or move toward trial.

If you are considering filing a claim, speak with an attorney about your legal options.

Compensation in LDS Church Abuse Settlements

Many sexual abuse claims against the Mormon Church have resulted in financial settlements. Compensation may vary based on factors such as the severity of the abuse, the extent of emotional and financial damages, and the strength of the evidence presented.

Types of Compensation Survivors May Recover

• Economic damages. Costs related to past and future medical treatment, therapy, and lost wages.
• Non-economic damages. Past and future pain, suffering, emotional distress, and trauma-related expenses.
• Punitive damages. In some cases, courts award additional compensation to punish institutions for misconduct.

Those who have experienced sexual abuse within the LDS Church may be concerned about privacy, retaliation, or other obstacles to pursuing legal action. Federal and state laws provide several protections to ensure survivors can seek justice without undue pressure or consequences.

Confidentiality in Legal Proceedings

• Survivors can file lawsuits under pseudonyms to protect their identities.
• Court records may sometimes be sealed to prevent public disclosure of sensitive information.
• Legal counsel can advise on steps to maintain privacy throughout the legal process.

Protections Against Retaliation

• Laws exist to prevent retaliation against survivors who come forward with allegations.
• Employers, institutions, and individuals cannot legally retaliate against someone for filing a claim.
• Additional legal avenues may be available if retaliation occurs.

Why Legal Action Matters in Church Abuse Cases

Taking legal action against the LDS Church is not just about securing compensation—it also serves to hold institutions accountable and prevent future abuse. Many survivors file lawsuits to expose wrongdoing, encourage institutional changes, and obtain a sense of justice.

Holding Institutions Accountable

• Legal claims shed light on misconduct within religious organizations.
• Lawsuits can compel institutions to implement stronger abuse prevention policies.
• Settlements and verdicts often change how organizations handle abuse allegations.

Encouraging Policy Changes

• Increased transparency within the LDS Church regarding past cases of abuse.
• Potential revisions to internal policies for reporting and addressing misconduct.
• Greater awareness among church leadership about their responsibilities toward members.

Supporting Other Survivors

• Legal action can empower other survivors to step forward.
• Public awareness of lawsuits may encourage policy reforms beyond the LDS Church.
• Strength in numbers can lead to broader legal protections for abuse survivors.

How an LDS Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Survivors of abuse may feel uncertain about navigating the legal system alone. Attorneys experienced in clergy abuse lawsuits provide critical support at every stage of the process, ensuring survivors' rights are protected and their cases are presented effectively.

Investigating Claims and Gathering Evidence

• Conducting independent investigations to uncover patterns of misconduct.
• Collecting documentation, witness testimony, and expert evaluations to support claims.
• Assessing legal strategies based on past abuse cases involving religious institutions.
• Identifying church records and internal reports. Some lawsuits allege that the LDS Church maintains internal records tracking abuse allegations that may be crucial evidence in legal claims.

Representing Survivors in Settlement Negotiations

• Legal teams engage in negotiations to secure fair compensation.
• Many cases are resolved through settlements, avoiding the need for a trial.
• Attorneys advocate for survivors to ensure they receive appropriate financial relief.

Preparing for Court Proceedings If Necessary

• Legal teams build strong cases for trial if a settlement is not reached.
• Survivors receive guidance on court procedures and what to expect.
• Attorneys present evidence and arguments to support claims before a judge or jury.
• Addressing institutional cover-up claims. Allegations that the LDS Church discouraged law enforcement cooperation may be relevant to proving liability.

Contact Lawsuit Legal News for Help with Your LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse within the LDS Church, you are not alone. Seeking justice against a powerful institution can feel overwhelming, but you have the right to take action. Survivors of abuse within the Mormon Church have legal options, and taking the first step toward justice can help bring closure and accountability.

At Lawsuit Legal News, we listen, understand, and support you through this process. Our Mormon Church sex abuse lawyers are committed to providing the information and resources you need to move forward. A confidential case evaluation can provide clarity on your legal rights and options.

Schedule a Consultation

• Free, no-obligation case evaluations are available.
• Consultations are private and tailored to each survivor’s circumstances.
• Legal teams are ready to assist with filing a claim and seeking justice.

Take the first step today. Call (866) 535-9515 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About LDS Abuse Cases

How long does a lawsuit against the Mormon Church take?

The timeline for a sexual abuse lawsuit varies. Some cases are resolved in months through settlements, while others may take years if they proceed to trial. The complexity of the case and the willingness of the LDS Church to settle are key factors.

Will my identity remain confidential?

Yes, survivors can often file lawsuits anonymously, and court records may be sealed upon request. Legal counsel can explain confidentiality options.

What costs are involved in filing a claim?

Many attorneys handle clergy abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning survivors do not pay legal fees unless they receive compensation.