The LDS church protected a sexual abuser for a decade in Cochise County. When sued, the church attempted to escape responsibility by scurrying behind robes. A Cochise County judge ordered that the bishops and the clerk had to testify, so the church filed a special action, then Division 2 issued a non-published opinion that the bishop and clerk did not have to testify. (Photo by Pexels) Justice for children is hard to find. The LDS church shielded a sexual abuser for a decade in Cochise County. When sued, the church sought to escape responsibility by scurrying behind robes. When the Cochise County judge ordered that the bishops and the clerk had to testify, the church filed a special action. Division 2 issued a non-published, eight-page opinion that the bishop and clerk did not have to testify. The court agreed that the clergy privilege belongs to the penitent not the church, but although the father publicly bragged about his abusive actions, the church could still claim a privilege. The court transformed a clerk into a clergy contrary to an Arizona ruling to minimize the definition of “clergy” because it interferes with the court’s fact-finding function. The appeals court upheld the […]
