MORMON SEX ABUSE SCANDAL: EXPOSING THE SECRECY AND FIGHTING FOR CHANGE

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) has been embroiled in a scandal surrounding child sexual abuse and domestic violence. Despite credible reports of abuse, the church’s system of leaders, lawyers, and secret courts allegedly enables cover-ups, leaving victims feeling frustrated and ignored. In this article, we’ll explore the campaign to reform the church and implement better safeguards for children.

Understanding The Main Concept

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The LDS church has a culture of secrecy that aids and abets abuse. Without open discussions about the issue, it becomes easier to hide. This lack of transparency creates an environment where abuse can flourish, making it challenging for victims to come forward.

How The Church’s Secrecy Enables Abuse
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* The church’s system of lawyers and confidential courts allows for secretive investigations and trials.
* Mandatory reporting laws are often circumvented, leaving reports uninvestigated or unreported.
* Priest-penitent privilege protects clergy from reporting criminal admissions made in a confessional context.

The Campaign to Reform the Church

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A group of concerned LDS members, led by Sara Delaney and Jane Christie, launched a campaign called 21st Century Saints. They aimed to improve child safeguarding processes within the church. After two years of dismissal and rejection, they achieved a breakthrough in June 2023 when the church announced mandatory background checks for anyone working with children or vulnerable adults.

The Impact of Background Checks

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* Anyone with a record of violent or abusive behavior will not be allowed to work with these groups.
* The introduction of background checks marks a significant step towards protecting children.

Why This Matters For Business

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* Other countries, including New Zealand, have similar policies in place for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.
* However, the LDS church’s lack of transparency and cover-ups create an environment where abuse can thrive.

Understanding The Challenges Ahead

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The campaign to reform the church has raised questions about its ability to change. Some argue that the church is resistant to external criticism and may not be willing to implement meaningful reforms. Others suggest that the government needs to step in to legislate and provide protection for victims of abuse.

Former members often speak of a gradual realization of doubts about the church, similar to accumulating items on a shelf until one revelation becomes too heavy to hold. They share their personal stories of struggle and transformation, highlighting the importance of creating a culture that supports and protects vulnerable individuals.

Heaven’s Helpline: An Investigation
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Our podcast series explores the areas of law that enable the church to vanish abuse cases into its in-house system. We discuss mandatory reporting, priest-penitent privilege, statute of limitations, and background checks. These are all areas of law that advocates for abuse survivors argue need to be changed to prevent further abuse and cover-ups.

Recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry

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The Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in state care has made recommendations to address these issues. We examine how these recommendations can help protect victims of abuse and create a safer environment within the church.

Conclusion

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The Mormon sex abuse scandal is a complex issue that requires attention, action, and reform. As we move forward, it’s essential to prioritize transparency, accountability, and protection for vulnerable individuals. By understanding the core concepts, implementing best practices, and addressing the challenges ahead, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive community.

Recommendations For Change

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* Mandatory reporting laws should be strengthened to ensure that reports are investigated and acted upon.
* Priest-penitent privilege should be reformed or abolished to prevent clergy from protecting themselves rather than reporting abuse.
* Background checks should be implemented nationwide, including in New Zealand.

By working together, we can create a culture that values transparency, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The fight for change is ongoing, and it’s essential that we continue to raise awareness and advocate for reform.