Lawsuit against church On Tuesday, March 7, 2001, members of Fellowship Church voted to approve the restatement of the church’s articles of incorporation. 3B awarded in sex abuse lawsuit that had named the LDS Church While denying wrongdoing, the Utah-based faith settled its part of the California case for $1 million. Jun 17, 2025 · Cindy Clemishire and her father Jerry filed suit last week in Dallas County, Texas, against Gateway Church and its elders, plus founding pastor Robert Morris and his wife Deborah, for defamation, conspiracy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. May 23, 2024 · In a matter centered on religious freedom and fraud allegations, a lawsuit involving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and member tithing is going back to the San Francisco-based 9th Nov 12, 2025 · A sexual abuse victim's defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church, former pastor Robert Morris and several church elders can proceed, a Dallas County judge ruled Tuesday. However, the experienced attorneys at Morgan & Morgan understand what qualifies as a church lawsuit, as well as how to litigate a case against a religious institution. the Church of Scientology, detailing specific allegations of human trafficking and forced labor under federal law. S. 5 million in pain and suffering damages, but Oct 30, 2025 · If you or a loved one were a victim of sexual assault by a clergy member in the Catholic Church, you may have the option to file a lawsuit. Nov 14, 2025 · A Texas judge has greenlit Cindy Clemishire’s defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church after she highlighted suffering in an affidavit. Aug 3, 2023 · The actress Leah Remini has filed a lawsuit against the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, claiming she has suffered years of harassment, intimidation and defamation as part of Oct 4, 2024 · A legal battle between the LDS Church and a former member over alleged misuse of tithing funds raises crucial First Amendment questions. Jan 17, 2024 · Remini has accused the Church of Scientology and its leader David Miscavige of undertaking a "campaign to ruin and destroy her livelihood" after she publicly departed Scientology in 2013. Oct 17, 2024 · The money will go to victims of clergy sexual abuse dating back decades, in what an attorney said was the largest single child sex abuse settlement with a Catholic archdiocese. C. Apr 17, 2025 · A judge tossed out a brewing class-action lawsuit against the LDS Church that accused the global faith and its investment company of fraud over the religious practice of tithing. A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday, Oct. Feb 8, 2025 · In March of 2021, James Huntsman filed a lawsuit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Sometimes referred to as Mormon) alleging that Discover faithful answers, historical insights, and gospel-centered responses from FAIR. . Feb 2, 2025 · Explore the legal complexities and considerations involved in suing a church, balancing religious autonomy with civil jurisdiction. Jul 20, 2025 · Examine the legal case of Emma Brown v. While much public attention historically focused on Catholic clergy, the Mormon Church sexual abuse lawsuits now Dec 6, 2022 · (RNS) — Legal action — or the threat of legal action — represents a new strategy on behalf of churches that want to leave the 6. But many settlements run in the millions. See if you’re eligible to take legal action for sexual abuse. Ezra L. Sep 25, 2024 · The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard James Huntsman's request to reinstate his lawsuit seeking a refund of tithing he donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jan 26, 2024 · New court documents filed in a lawsuit against Tim Ballard have revealed new details about his standing with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nov 16, 2024 · Plaintiffs suing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a would-be class-action lawsuit over tithing say they are not challenging how the faith spends and manages its money. In a March 12 split final ruling from Los Angeles Superior May 23, 2024 · In a matter centered on religious freedom and fraud allegations, a lawsuit involving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and member tithing is going back to the San Francisco-based 9th Nov 12, 2025 · A sexual abuse victim's defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church, former pastor Robert Morris and several church elders can proceed, a Dallas County judge ruled Tuesday. Cindy Clemishire sued the church and its elders for Jun 13, 2025 · Cindy Clemishire alleges sexual abuse by Robert Morris, sues for defamation and damages. Feb 11, 2025 · The Episcopal Church is among dozens of multifaith plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the U. Victims are now seeking justice against the church for failing to protect children from known child sex offenders within the congregation. The suit was filed this morning in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia by Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Aug 3, 2023 · In June, the former leaders of Cable-Monteclaro’s church, Steve Gansert-Morici and Jacqueline Brown-Morici, were named as defendants in one of the since-dismissed federal lawsuits against the ICOC. Sep 14, 2025 · LDS Sexual Abuse Lawsuits and Settlements The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has seen a growing wave of civil litigation in recent years, with many survivors filing LDS sexual abuse lawsuits that accuse the Church of failing to protect children from known abusers. With a simple vote, members of Fellowship Church lost their church member voting rights. 4), a group of Gateway Church members filed a class action lawsuit against Robert Morris, Thomas M. The first is a 2016 lawsuit alleging physical assault and injury In 2001, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) paid a three million dollar settlement to Jeremiah Scott, after Scott filed a lawsuit in 1998 against the church for what his attorney described as an attempted cover-up of sexual abuse Scott suffered from church member Franklin Curtis. Welltower and Frontier were insured under a "claims made" policy by Church Mutual Insurance Company, effective from July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021. Nov 10, 2023 · They alleged that for personal gain, “the Nashville Church, the [ICOC], Hope Worldwide, and Central and South America World Sector jointly participated in a scheme to defraud church members, who are not allowed to inspect the church’s financial records. The church issued a statement. Nov 14, 2025 · In Wyoming, a negligence lawsuit has been filed against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alleging that the Church failed to take proper precautions on a Church-sponsored activity that led to a child having his foot severed in 2022. Feb 11, 2025 · Portland-based law firm Crew Janci filed the negligence lawsuit against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the U. They also could have implications for other Aug 8, 2023 · The 9th U. government’s recent rescission of guidelines that limited immigration enforcement in sensitive areas such as churches, schools, and hospitals. Jul 30, 2025 · Hundreds have filed lawsuits against the LDS Church. Aug 7, 2023 · A federal appeals court has reinstated part of James Huntsman's high-profile lawsuit against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 5 days ago · Gateway Church and its elders have filed an appeal to a recent ruling from a Dallas County judge allowing a defamation lawsuit against the church to continue. Mar 21, 2023 · A judge has dismissed a lawsuit by over 30 congregations that sued a regional body of The United Methodist Church and its bishop, accusing the denomination of an unfair disaffiliation process. Explore our latest post on Court Ruling in the case of James Huntsman vs the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lane, Kevin L. Aug 6, 2019 · A federal lawsuit sure to get attention in Utah claims that the “Mormon Corporate Empire” has driven worshipers to existential crises, suicide, anxiety and depression by peddling a “scheme of lies” centered on the religion’s creation and its scriptures, a onetime member claims. Jeremiah Counsel, the nonprofit that filed the 123-page lawsuit against the Youngs and other church leaders, has posted a response to Pastor Ben Young’s recent comments. Apr 18, 2025 · A federal judge yesterday tossed a suit alleging The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints misused members’ tithes to fund for-profit ventures via an alleged “slush fund” disguised as an investment firm. The Jul 8, 2024 · In my last post, I wrote about a child sex abuse lawsuit recently settled by Gateway Church. Recently, a group of 187 churches in Georgia and a group of 38 churches in Maryland and West Virginia sued local UMC officials. Mar 14, 2024 · Leah Remini‘s defamation and harassment suit against the Church of Scientology is far from dead, but it’s constitutionally wounded. Christian Post published a story about this case linking to my documents. If you were sexually abused by someone in the Catholic Church, you may be owed money from a Catholic Church sex abuse lawsuit or settlement. Get expert legal help now. Grove, and Steve Dulin. Based on reported settlement amounts in prior sexual abuse cases against the Catholic Church and a few other religious institutions, the average individual settlement amount for a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit is between $300,000 and $400,000. Tillman, Jr. 6 days ago · Civil Lawsuits for Church Sexual Abuse Victims of sexual abuse by priests or church members have more options available today than ever before if they want to get justice for what happened to them. In the past, victims of child sex abuse were often limited to pursuing criminal charges. Mar 4, 2025 · Mormon sex abuse lawsuits in California information. Jan 2, 2025 · His estate filed a negligence and wrongful-death lawsuit against Welltower Tenant Group, the facility’s owner, and Frontier Management, its operator. In its lawsuit, 55Red is requesting injunctive relief You could be eligible for a Catholic Church lawsuit if you incurred damages due to the actions or inactions of Catholic Church clergy or the institution as a whole. It alleges that the church failed to provide adequate instruction and training for its Young Men and Young Women leaders and supervisors. A new lawsuit demands the church surrender money and property. 31, 2023 against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its investment arm alleges the faith misused hundreds of thousands of dollars donated by three men by investing the money instead of using it for charitable Mar 22, 2021 · Protecting the Church from disgruntled donors In 2021, Huntsman filed a lawsuit against the Church in federal court, attempting to recover at least five million dollars of his tithing offerings. Nov 20, 2024 · Abuse suit against the Nashville Diocese and a Murfreesboro parish nears a trial after uncovering new revelations about pattern of church's response. May 5, 2025 · A lawsuit alleges Second Baptist Church in Houston unlawfully changed its governing documents to eliminate the congregation’s power to vote on virtually everything, including budgets and the 6 days ago · A childcare management company has sued a Fort Wayne church for allegedly breaching a management agreement, with the church arguing the Allen Superior Court has no jurisdiction over the matter because it is a protected religious ministry issue. Oct 11, 2024 · A group of congregants at the influential Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem has filed a lawsuit seeking to void the election of a new pastor who just took over the historic Black church last month. Apr 27, 2023 · RIVERSIDE, Calif. 31, 2023 against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its investment arm alleges the faith misused hundreds of thousands of dollars donated by three men by investing the money instead of using it for charitable Jun 6, 2023 · Explore clergy abuse lawsuit updates 2025: unreported cases, legal challenges, and church responses. Apr 26, 2025 · Leaders of Second Baptist Church of Houston deceptively stripped church members of their voting rights and transferred “nearly dictatorial authority” to the senior pastor, according to a lawsuit filed against the megachurch and several of its leaders. The suit was filed this morning in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia by Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional The Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints filed an appeal in federal court Friday after a judge ruled against the organization earlier this month, according to documents. Sep 13, 2024 · Incident: The families of the victims of the 2015 shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church sued the church, claiming it did not take necessary steps to protect its members despite previous threats. Dec 17, 2024 · Yum! Brands' KFC told a Texas federal court on Tuesday that it would end its lawsuit over rival fast-food chain Church's Texas Chicken's use of its trademarked phrase "Original Recipe" in advertising. Reasons for filing a lawsuit against the Catholic Church can include sexual abuse, avoidable accidents on church property, and others. Apr 24, 2025 · What happened at Second Baptist followed a similar occurrence at Fellowship Church. 28 billion by a California jury in a lawsuit that also implicated her mother and the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which both parents were active, her attorneys announced. Inc. Ed Young and his son, Pastor Ben Young—face a lawsuit alleging they pushed through the changes with little notice and no transparency, fundamentally altering the church’s governance structure. Nov 1, 2023 · FILE - In this April 27, 2006 file photo, the sun sets behind the Mormon Temple, the centerpiece of Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Apr 27, 2023 · Nearly $2. Apr 27, 2023 · Nearly $2. Jun 6, 2023 · Explore clergy abuse lawsuit updates 2025: unreported cases, legal challenges, and church responses. , released a lengthy report about its “significant challenges” plus its plans to move forward. Jun 13, 2025 · A new civil lawsuit has been filed against former megachurch evangelist Robert Morris, his family, and Gateway Church, seeking over $1 million in damages for alleged sexual abuse, defamation, and Oct 4, 2024 · On Friday (Oct. Jun 30, 2022 · This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Jan 15, 2025 · Friday looms as a big day for the LDS Church as it faces a key court hearing in a would-be class-action lawsuit on tithing. Laws and regulations regarding lawsuits against churches can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case. Apr 27, 2025 · A lawsuit claims a “nearly dictatorial” leadership model has overtaken Second Baptist Church, Houston – one of the largest churches in the Southern Baptist Convention – after member voter rights were circumvented with the installation of Ben Young as senior pastor after his famous father, Ed Young, Sr. Learn how to file an abuse claim today. The district court ruled for the Church, concluding that all its statements about the use of tithes for the revitalization project were true. The lawsuit exposes an alleged cover-up to protect the church's image. Jan 19, 2025 · Attorneys for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are seeking to dismiss a lawsuit that could involve millions of members of the church. As with any organization, some of the Mormon sex abuse cases are isolated incidents. Oct 31, 2023 · The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a judge had unlawfully interfered in The United Methodist Church’s disaffiliation policies and ordered that she dismiss two congregations’ lawsuits challenging those policies. 4 million-member United Methodist Church. Jul 20, 2024 · New class-action case over tithing could lead to millions suing the LDS Church Multiple complaints have been rolled into one mega-case, accusing the faith and its investment arm of using May 6, 2025 · At Second Baptist Church in Houston, rancor about church governance issues continues to grow. Jan 18, 2025 · This tithing lawsuit doesn’t belong in ‘secular courts,’ LDS Church argues “This is a secular case,” plaintiffs counter, based on deceit, not faith. May 6, 2025 · Disgruntled Second Baptist members hope the lawsuit will restore order to the megachurch. Says judge: “You don’t escape Feb 17, 2025 · Some plaintiffs are asking a panel of federal judges to consolidate all child sex abuse lawsuits filed against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before one California federal judge Feb 11, 2025 · Portland-based law firm Crew Janci filed the negligence lawsuit against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the U. A Dallas County judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed against Gateway Church in Southlake by a survivor of sexual assault can move forward. The church says sending his suit to a jury would endanger religious freedom by giving courts power over religious doctrine. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated James Huntsman’s lawsuit seeking the return of $5 million in tithing paid to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sep 26, 2025 · Are you looking to file a clergy abuse lawsuit? Get a free case review today Start Here Can You Sue the Catholic Church for Sexual Abuse? In many cases, survivors of clergy abuse can file a personal injury lawsuit against the church. But their success is uncertain. ” Jul 30, 2025 · When finally arrested in 2017 he admitted abusing some of his other children as well. 24, represent significant legal wins for the Oklahoma Conference. Jul 10, 2024 · Jane Doe files a lawsuit against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a former leader, alleging childhood sexual abuse and seeking justice. Mar 3, 2024 · The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a ruling that reinstated James Huntsman's lawsuit seeking the return of $5 million he gave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jun 20, 2025 · Following the dismissal of the final active lawsuit last December, the multisite church near Washington, D. (AP) — A woman who was molested for years by her stepfather has been awarded $2. May 15, 2025 · Now, church leaders—including longtime pastor Dr. Apr 17, 2025 · A woman has filed a lawsuit against an Atlanta church, claiming she and others were trafficked and forced to work in inhumane conditions while participating in the church’s youth program. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit alleging that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arm misused hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations by Jan 28, 2025 · The Methodist Church of Simpsonville thought it left the United Methodist denomination behind. They also could have implications for other May 18, 2025 · The former Gateway Church pastor, facing criminal charges of lewd or indecent acts with a child, claims he is owed retirement benefits. [1] The LDS Church denied legal liability in the case, and said it was settling the Apr 18, 2024 · Federal fraud lawsuits seeking class-action status against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over tithing have been moved to a Utah courtroom. Parents of children who are molested or otherwise assaulted by church officials may also be able to file a lawsuit on their child's behalf. Apr 17, 2025 · A federal judge has dismissed a proposed class-action suit accusing the LDS Church of fraud over the faith's financial practices, specifically about tithing. 2 days ago · A Dallas appeals court on Friday put a pause on the $1 million defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church and its current elders, citing the need to hear additional arguments in the case. Jan 31, 2025 · The Church refused, and Huntsman subsequently filed this lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Apr 11, 2023 · Arm & Hammer Clean Burst class action lawsuit overview: Who: Akili Charles filed a class action lawsuit against Church & Dwight Co. Why: Charles claims Church & Dwight represents that its Arm & Hammer brand Clean Burst laundry detergent is environmentally friendly while allegedly failing to disclose that it contains a probable human carcinogen. Note that each state Mar 2, 2025 · Nearly 100 current and former California residents have recently sued The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over allegations of childhood sexual abuse, alleging in related but separate Oct 11, 2024 · The lawsuit filed Friday demands Gateway refund donations, known as tithes, made by members of the North Texas megachurch. Jan 31, 2025 · An en banc panel of judges voted 11-0 to grant summary judgment to the Church of Jesus Christ, dismissing James Huntsman's lawsuit about tithing. and members of the church’s deacon board. The state high court’s two unanimous decisions, released on Oct. Oct 30, 2025 · If you or a loved one were a victim sexual assault in the Mormon Church (LDS Church), you may have the option to file a lawsuit. Jun 20, 2019 · LOS ANGELES — A former Scientologist has filed the first of what her attorneys say will be multiple lawsuits against the Church of Scientology International and its leader, alleging retaliation Jun 22, 2022 · The PCA takes up the case of a church leader who responded to sexual harassment claims with a defamation lawsuit against his accusers. Jan 16, 2025 · A new child sexual abuse and coverup lawsuit has been filed against the Refuge of Hope Church in New Rochelle alleging that a child was sexually abused by two individuals affiliated with the church beginning in 2018 when the plaintiff was just 10 years old. Jeremiah Counsel, a nonprofit founded by current and former members of the church, filed the suit April 15 in Harris County district court Apr 11, 2025 · A federal judge has ruled against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a lawsuit over who pays for sexual abuse settlements. 91 civil suits, 97 accused individuals, 20 LDS bishops, a stake president, dozens of church leaders. Sexual abuse lawsuits against the Catholic Church have recovered more than $3 billion for clergy abuse survivors. l Again, the cap in Maryland for a clergy sex abuse lawsuit is $1. Jul 3, 2025 · The Mormon church, AKA the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), is no exception, having faced a series of sex abuse lawsuits and accusations against its leaders and other individuals linked to the movement. Jul 8, 2025 · (RNS) — A lawsuit filed in California state court accuses the church of violating a former member’s privacy and inflicting emotional harm. A federal judge has agreed to delay temporarily the discovery of evidence in a high-profile lawsuit over tithing Apr 27, 2025 · Current and former Second Baptist members filed a suit in Harris County, alleging that the Young family planned to "takeover" the megachurch and its assets. Escalating an already emotionally charged divorce in the United Methodist Church, some defectors are resorting to lawsuits against UMC leadership. District Court’s District Of Oregon on Tuesday. , announced his resignation and retirement in 2024. They had questions for both sides. Victims are filing lawsuits against the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for allegedly failing to prevent child sexual abuse. Recent lawsuits allege a decades-long cover-up of child sexual abuse among Jehovah's Witnesses. 1 day ago · Available sources do not mention any current criminal charges filed directly against Joel Osteen personally as of the dates in these items; sources instead describe civil litigation against Lakewood or its leaders, past fines, and investigations tied to violent incidents at the church [10] [11] [5]. Nov 14, 2025 · The lawsuit was filed against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “for failing to implement proper safety measures in the organization of towable water tubing,” according to the complaint. In More than two-dozen Christian and Jewish groups representing millions of Americans have filed a federal court lawsuit challenging a Trump administration move giving immigration agents more leeway to make arrests at houses of worship. Nov 22, 2023 · Forty-five United Methodist congregations in south Alabama and the Florida panhandle that filed a lawsuit against Bishop David Graves and the Alabama-West Florida Conference because they were not Aug 8, 2023 · An appeals court has reinstated Utahn James Huntsman's fraud case against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over millions of dollars in tithing. Nov 1, 2025 · Mormon sex abuse lawsuits have been filed by survivors against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Oct 10, 2024 · The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has gotten its way — for now. File an LDS abuse claim now. Feb 17, 2025 · A woman has filed a $25 million federal lawsuit against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alleging church leadership failed to report allegations of sex abuse by her Ridgefield Oct 31, 2023 · The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a judge had unlawfully interfered in The United Methodist Church’s disaffiliation policies and ordered that she dismiss two congregations’ lawsuits challenging those policies. There are two additional lawsuits against Gateway Church that have been brought to my attention. Consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options if you believe you have a legitimate claim against a church. The children's lawsuit against church officials was reinstated Tuesday by the Arizona Court of Appeals. 1 Huntsman’s Complaint alleged that the Church committed fraud by stating that tithing funds were not used for the Church’s commercial endeavors when in fact they were. Apr 28, 2025 · Pastoral succession, megachurch wealth and family dynasties combine in a lawsuit filed against Second Baptist Church of Houston and its leaders April 15. 4 days ago · A Broward Circuit Court judge has cleared the way for a high-profile governance lawsuit at First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Oakland Park, Florida, to proceed, denying a motion to dismiss filed by Senior Pastor Rev. jexr sugw dmcxn xjn mrkekc viutr unc motmiym dfxy sspfmf nyulbdsa zjsou nwmj qoke sqwcjvs