LDS Church Lawsuits: Seeking Justice Through Tort Portal
At Tort Portal, we understand the complex and sensitive nature of legal claims against institutions. In recent years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), often referred to as the Mormon Church, has faced a significant and growing number of lawsuits. These legal challenges primarily center on allegations of child sexual abuse and questions surrounding the Church’s financial practices.
If you or a loved one have been impacted by the issues detailed below, Tort Portal is designed to help you explore your legal options and connect with experienced attorneys specializing in these types of claims. We bridge the gap between those who have been harmed and the specialized legal representation they need.
I. LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits: A Crisis of Trust and Your Path to Justice through Tort Portal
A significant majority of the lawsuits against the LDS Church involve harrowing allegations of child sexual abuse committed by individuals in positions of trust within the Church, including bishops, youth leaders, missionaries, and other members. What makes these cases particularly complex and concerning are the widespread claims of systemic cover-ups and institutional failures to protect vulnerable individuals.
Key Allegations in Sexual Abuse Cases:
- Failure to Report: Lawsuits frequently allege that Church leaders, upon learning of abuse, failed to report it to law enforcement. Instead, they are accused of handling such matters internally, often prioritizing the Church’s reputation over the safety and well-being of victims.
- The “Help Line” Controversy: A central point of contention is the Church’s internal “Help Line,” designed for bishops to report abuse. Plaintiffs contend that this system often directed leaders to Church attorneys rather than civil authorities, effectively shielding abusers and minimizing the Church’s legal liability.
- Transfer of Abusers: Allegations include instances where accused individuals were reportedly transferred to different congregations or positions, potentially enabling further abuse.
- Silencing Victims: Many survivors report experiencing pressure, intimidation, or spiritual manipulation aimed at discouraging them from disclosing abuse or pursuing legal action.
- Institutional Negligence: Claims often rest on the Church’s alleged negligence in supervising individuals in positions of authority, failing to adequately vet volunteers, and creating an environment where abuse could occur and be concealed.
Damages Sought by Survivors:
Victims who successfully pursue sexual abuse lawsuits against the LDS Church may be entitled to significant compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical and Psychological Expenses: Costs associated with therapy, counseling, and other mental health treatment for the severe trauma of abuse.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Compensation for financial losses due to the abuse’s impact on education, career, and overall ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for profound emotional distress, psychological harm, loss of enjoyment of life, and the long-term impact on personal relationships.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the institution for egregious misconduct and to deter similar actions in the future.
Recent Developments (as of early July 2025):
- Mass Settlements: The LDS Church continues to resolve numerous sexual abuse claims, particularly in states with “look-back” window laws. Many of these resolutions are occurring through private mediation, aiming to avoid public scrutiny.
- Significant Verdicts and Offers: While settlements are often confidential, reports suggest payouts ranging from mid-five figures to several hundred thousand dollars, with some severe cases exceeding $1 million. A notable $2.28 billion jury verdict was reported in California in May 2024 for a survivor.
- No Centralized Federal Litigation (MDL): Despite attempts, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has declined to consolidate all federal LDS abuse lawsuits into a single MDL. However, informal collaboration among plaintiffs’ firms continues, and state-level coordination (like in California) is underway to manage similar cases efficiently.
II. LDS Church Financial Holdings Lawsuits: Scrutiny Over Tithing and Your Connection to Expertise via Tort Portal
Beyond abuse claims, the LDS Church and its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, have faced legal scrutiny regarding their vast financial holdings and the alleged misuse of member donations, particularly tithing.
Key Allegations in Financial Lawsuits:
- Misuse of Charitable Funds: Lawsuits have alleged that Ensign Peak Advisors, established to manage the Church’s assets, accumulated a substantial investment portfolio (reportedly exceeding $100 billion) without consistently using these funds for charitable purposes as members might expect.
- Lack of Transparency: Critics and plaintiffs have accused the Church of a lack of transparency regarding its financial assets and how tithing funds are utilized.
- SEC Settlement: In February 2023, the Church and Ensign Peak Advisors settled with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations that Ensign Peak used shell companies to obscure the size of its investment portfolio. They agreed to pay $5 million in penalties.
Status of Financial Lawsuits (as of early July 2025):
While these lawsuits have drawn significant public attention, many have been dismissed by federal judges, often citing statute of limitations issues or the inability of plaintiffs to adequately demonstrate fraud. For example, a lawsuit in Utah alleging misuse of tithing was dismissed in April 2025 due to the statute of limitations.
Seeking Justice with Tort Portal
The legal landscape surrounding the LDS Church is complex and evolving. If you believe you have a claim related to sexual abuse within the LDS Church, or have concerns about its financial practices that may have legal grounds, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options.
Tort Portal is designed to connect you directly with legal professionals who have extensive experience with these specific types of cases. Through our secure and confidential platform, they can help you:
- Evaluate Your Case: Determine the viability of your claim based on applicable state laws (including “look-back” provisions) and the specifics of your situation.
- Understand Legal Avenues: Explain the process of filing a civil lawsuit, participating in private mediation, or navigating coordinated litigation.
- Pursue Compensation: Fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve for your physical, emotional, and financial damages.
- Ensure Confidentiality: Discuss options for maintaining privacy throughout the legal process.
Don’t suffer in silence. Take the first step toward justice today.