The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) reportedly ruled against consolidating over 50 child sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). The lawsuits, which span decades, allegedly claim that the church failed to protect children from sexual abuse by clergy, missionaries, teachers, and even family members associated with the church.
The panel’s decision, announced on April 3, 2025, stated that the cases involve unique facts that would not benefit from centralization. The cases reportedly involve allegations of abuse occurring between 1968 and 2023, with varying connections to church officials and different policies around reporting and investigating sexual abuse over the years.
Details of the LDS Lawsuits
At least 50 lawsuits are currently pending in U.S. District Courts across the country, with claims that the church either covered up or failed to adequately address allegations of abuse by members of its staff and volunteers. Despite efforts to consolidate the lawsuits into one multidistrict litigation (MDL), the JPML decided against it, reportedly citing the varied nature of the cases, the lengthy time span of the alleged incidents, and the differences in the church’s policies on abuse over the decades.
The decision is viewed as a setback for the plaintiffs, who had hoped to streamline the legal process and hold the church accountable for its handling of these serious allegations. Attorneys representing the survivors have argued that consolidation would ensure more consistent legal proceedings and make the litigation more efficient.
Why Consolidation Was Denied
The JPML reportedly emphasized that the vast differences between the individual cases—ranging from the type of abuser involved to the time period and jurisdiction—made consolidation unfeasible. The ruling allegedly highlighted that the abusers involved ranged from clergy to lay members of the church, further complicating the case specifics.
“The actions here involve abuse that occurred over more than five decades, from 1968 to 2023,” the JPML ruling reportedly stated. “The Church’s policy on reporting and investigating sexual abuse undoubtedly changed over this period.”
With the ruling, all lawsuits against the LDS Church will proceed as separate cases, with each one continuing individually in federal courts across the country.
The Impact on Survivors and the Church
The decision is seen as a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over child sexual abuse within the LDS Church. Survivors of the abuse, some of whom have reportedly waited decades to come forward, are now left to navigate a complex legal system, with each case being litigated individually.
The church, one of the wealthiest private organizations in the world, has not publicly commented on the ruling but has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of abuse cases. The church has reportedly denied any systematic cover-up of sexual abuse and has insisted that it takes all allegations seriously.
What Happens Next?
The JPML’s decision means that the plaintiffs will now proceed with their individual lawsuits, which may take years to resolve. Legal experts expect that this case could set important precedents for similar cases involving large institutions accused of failing to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.
Survivors and their advocates continue to push for justice, hoping that the legal system will hold the LDS Church accountable for the alleged harm caused to many children over the years.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, whether in a religious institution or elsewhere, it’s important to understand your legal options. Helping Survivors can connect you with experienced legal professionals who specialize in cases like these. Reach out today for confidential support and assistance.
