Speaking to a worldwide audience in October 2022, President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson, declared: "Abuse constitutes the influence of the adversary. It is a grievous sin.”
He continued: “As President of the Church, I affirm the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ on this issue. Let me be perfectly clear: any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord. He grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed. He mourns and we all mourn for each person who has fallen victim to abuse of any kind. Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man but will also face the wrath of Almighty God.”
“For decades now, the Church has taken extensive measures to protect—in particular—children from abuse. There are many aids on the Church website. I invite you to study them. These guidelines are in place to protect the innocent.”
As followers of Jesus Christ, members of His Church are focused on preventing abuse, helping victims, and reporting and addressing abuse.
Tragically, there are some in our communities who are determined to abuse others. Consequently, followers of Jesus Christ and others of goodwill need to continue to work on ways to improve our collective efforts to protect children and other innocents, to report abuse when it happens, and to address the impacts of abuse with great care.
The Church is continuously looking for ways to improve its efforts to prevent and stop abuse and to care for those whose lives have been harmed by abuse. Read the article "How the Church approaches abuse."
Additional measures being taken include:
- Doors to classrooms and offices in church buildings are being replaced or modified to include windows.
- The Church complies with laws requiring background checks and works to interview and screen all volunteers who serve with children or youth.
- The creation of a "Life Help" section on the Internet which includes extensive resources to assist individuals, families and congregations.
- The Church supports many organisations around the world which are helping victims heal and flourish (e.g., Samoa Victim Support Group's "Campus of Hope"; and women's refuges).
- Participation in national redress schemes to support survivors, such as in Australia.
Elder Peter F. Meurs of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “Because we love God and our fellow men and women, and all children, and because we follow Jesus Christ, we are doing all we can to prevent, report and address abuse in our homes, congregations, and communities. We are grateful for governments in Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere in the region for their efforts to protect children and others from abuse, to bring perpetrators to justice, and to support the recovery and healing of those impacted. We will continue to search for ways to improve how we join with others to combat the evils of abuse in our societies.”
Elder Meurs continued, “President Russell M. Nelson encourages members and friends of the Church to be vigilant and diligent in this fight. President Nelson declared: ‘I urge each of us to be alert to anyone who might be in danger of being abused and to act promptly to protect them. The Saviour will not tolerate abuse, and as His disciples, neither can we.’”