An Oregon woman is suing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, for approximately $10 million. The lawsuit alleges that the church violated her husband’s “priest-penitent privilege” by reporting his confession of sex crimes to the police, which subsequently led to his arrest and a 15-year prison sentence.
Kristine Johnson is seeking $9.54 million in damages, claiming the church improperly disclosed confidential information shared during what she believed to be a protected confession. The Statesman Journal reports that Timothy Samuel Johnson, 47, the husband in question, had reportedly admitted to ongoing sexual abuse of a minor to church leaders.
According to Oregon law, clergy members are mandated reporters, obligated to report any form of child sexual crime or abuse to the authorities. Despite this legal requirement, the couple’s attorney, Bill Brandt, argues that the local church branch acted against its own internal policies, even though state law supersedes those policies. He stated that the situation has been “devastating on the family,” resulting in the loss of a husband and father.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesperson Eric Hawkins issued a statement to FOX Business emphasizing the church’s commitment to protecting victims. The statement reads, “The Church teaches that leaders and members should fulfill all legal obligations to report abuse to civil authorities. In some circumstances, those obligations may be governed by their professional duty and in others by their role as clergy. We are grateful for the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate and pursue justice for those who were abused.”
The lawsuit claims that the clergy initially indicated they would provide spiritual counsel to Mr. Johnson to bring peace to his life and family, regardless of the severity of his transgressions. However, they allegedly failed to inform him that they would be obligated to notify the police if he confessed to the crime.
Timothy Samuel Johnson pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sex abuse following his arrest in 2017. He is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence, as confirmed by state Department of Corrections records. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, reports a global membership exceeding 16.3 million.
Mandatory Reporting laws are designed to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from abuse and neglect. These laws require certain professionals, including clergy, educators, and healthcare providers, to report suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities. The intent is to ensure that potential victims receive the necessary protection and support, and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The conflict between religious privilege and legal obligation often raises complex ethical and legal questions, particularly when confessions involve illegal activities.