Clergy Sexual Abuse

What Is Clergy Sexual Abuse?

Clergy sexual abuse happens when a religious leader uses their position of trust or authority to sexually mistreat another person. That includes any unwanted sexual contact or acts committed without consent.

Church sexual abuse can look like:

• Assault that happens during counseling, confession, mentorship, camps, retreats, or other religious settings where people may find privacy
• Exploitation of spiritual or emotional authority to pressure someone into sexual contact
• Grooming behavior, where a leader builds trust with someone (and sometimes their family) before mistreating them

Clergy sexual abuse is an issue that affects both minors and adults. A landmark study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice found that allegations of child sexual abuse were made against over 4,300 priests across 97% of U.S. dioceses between 1950 and 2002.

Many survivors say institutions knew about their abuse and moved the perpetrator to another parish or ministry instead of stopping them.

If this happened to you, you may be able to work with a clergy abuse lawyer and seek compensation. Our team can clarify your legal options without any upfront fees or commitments.

Get your free case review now for more information on clergy sexual abuse and your legal rights.

Institutions Named in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases

Depending on what happened, a clergy sexual assault lawsuit may name more than the person who committed the abuse. Some of these civil lawsuits name their institution if the organization knew about the misconduct, covered up the abuse, or failed to protect the victims.

Religious institutions accused of clergy sexual abuse include:

• Gateway Church
• Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Southern Baptist Convention
• The Catholic Church
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• The Church of Scientology

This isn’t a complete list — no institution is exempt from accountability when it fails to protect the people in its care.

Even if your abuse happened within a religious group not shown above, you may still be able to work with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer.

Gateway Church

Gateway Church used to be one of the largest megachurches in the country. In 2024, its home church in Southlake, Texas, became the center of a sexual abuse scandal that reached all the way to its founder.

Here’s what happened:

• In June 2024, a woman publicly accused founding pastor Robert Morris of sexually abusing her starting at age 12, beginning in 1982. Morris resigned days after the allegations became public.
• Several Gateway elders were later removed after admitting they’d known about the allegations for years.
• The survivor said she had previously been offered a $25,000 settlement and a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) in exchange for staying silent.
• In 2025, Morris was indicted in Oklahoma on charges of lewd or indecent acts with a child.
• He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison, along with an order to pay restitution to the survivor. Morris ultimately served 6 months of his 10-year suspended sentence before being released.

Cases like this show how people in church leadership roles can know about ongoing abuse, delay action, and try to keep survivors silent.

If you experienced clergy sexual abuse at Gateway Church or a similar institution, and leaders knew about the danger, you may have grounds for a claim against the institution itself, not just the person who abused you.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses have faced decades of allegations that Watchtower, their internal governing organization, maintained internal policies that allowed people who committed church sexual abuse to remain in congregations instead of being reported to authorities.

The organization enforces a rule that requires two eyewitnesses before elders will act on an abuse accusation. It’s a standard that’s nearly impossible to meet, since abuse rarely happens in front of witnesses.

Clergy sexual abuse lawsuits involving Jehovah’s Witnesses include:

• 2018: A Montana jury awarded $35 million to a woman after finding that Watchtower directed local elders not to report her abuse. However, the state supreme court reversed the ruling in 2020 after deciding that church authorities are not required to report child sexual abuse.
• 2018: A $4 million New York judgment was upheld on appeal after Watchtower refused to comply with a court order to turn over internal records about known abusers.
• 2017: A San Diego jury awarded a man $13.5 million and found that Watchtower failed to protect him from abuse by Gonzalo Campos, a mentor recommended by his congregation, starting when the victim was 7.
• 2012: A California jury awarded a woman $28 million after evidence showed that her congregation and Watchtower failed to protect her from abuse by Jonathan Kendrick during door-to-door ministry, which she said began when she was 9.

Internal policy has directed congregation leaders to report clergy sexual abuse allegations to the organization’s headquarters rather than to law enforcement.

Survivors have had to rely on clergy sexual abuse attorneys to hold the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization accountable. If you were abused within a Jehovah’s Witness congregation and leadership failed to act, you may have grounds for a claim — even if it happened decades ago or you were never believed.

Southern Baptist Convention

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., faced a reckoning in 2022 when an independent investigation exposed mishandled clergy sexual abuse allegations at the highest levels of its leadership between 2000 and 2021.

Key findings from the investigation include:

• Survivors who reported abuse were often ignored, disbelieved, or met with “outright hostility” from committee leaders.
• The report identified over 700 abusers connected to Southern Baptist churches, and at least 100 were in leadership roles in youth ministry programs.
• SBC leadership repeatedly cited the denomination’s decentralized structure, where individual churches self-govern, as a reason it couldn’t remove or track abusers across congregations, even when convictions existed.

The U.S. Department of Justice opened its own investigation into multiple SBC entities later that year. However, no clergy sexual abuse charges were filed when the investigation ended in 2025.

Self-governing institutions like the SBC may face accountability in civil courts. If you experienced clergy abuse within an SBC-affiliated church and leaders knew about it and failed to act, you could still have legal options.

The Catholic Church

The Catholic Church’s abuse crisis in the U.S. became public in 2002, when reporting exposed how the Archdiocese of Boston had moved known abusers between parishes instead of removing them.

Since then, decades of civil litigation have revealed the scope of those affected and cost dioceses billions of dollars.

Notable Catholic Church sexual abuse settlements and verdicts include:

• 2025: The Diocese of Camden settled with 300 clergy sexual assault victims for $180 million, reached through church bankruptcy proceedings.
• 2024: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to more than 1,000 survivors. This was the largest single clergy sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history and brought the archdiocese’s total payouts past $1.5 billion.
• 2007: The Diocese of San Diego agreed to settle more than 140 church sexual abuse claims for $198 million.
• 2005: The Diocese of Covington set up a $120 million fund to settle with more than 100 victims of clergy sexual abuse, which claimed that church leaders had been covering up sex assault claims for over 50 years.
• 2004: The Diocese of Orange agreed to pay $100 million to 87 survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy members.
• 2003: The Archdiocese of Boston agreed to an $85 million settlement that resolved more than 500 clergy sexual abuse lawsuits.

At least 19 U.S. dioceses and religious orders filed for bankruptcy between 2004 and 2018, which consolidated sexual assault lawsuits but can also cap what individual survivors ultimately receive.

Sexual abuse scandals in the Roman Catholic Church may end in compensation if victims work with experienced clergy abuse attorneys. Her Case Matters can connect people with our partner lawyers if they qualify.

Contact us now to ask questions and get answers.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the LDS or Mormon Church) has faced hundreds of lawsuits from clergy sexual abuse survivors over the years. They allege that local leaders and the church’s internal reporting system allowed abusers to remain in contact with children.

Notable lawsuits and investigations into the Mormon Church include:

• In 2025, a Washington child sexual abuse lawsuit alleged that the Mormon Church allowed a convicted abuser to remain active in a congregation, where he assaulted 4 more children.
• A jury awarded $2.28 billion to a woman in 2023 after she filed a church sexual abuse lawsuit. She alleged that church leaders covered up reports she made over the years regarding sexual abuse by her father.
• A 2022 Associated Press investigation found cases where the church’s “help line,” meant to guide local leaders on abuse reports, was allegedly used to route information to church attorneys instead of law enforcement.
• In 2018, the LDS Church settled a lawsuit for $32 million. The abuser’s family, which included church leaders, allegedly also knew of and covered up his abuse of multiple children.

If a bishop, high priest, or other LDS leader knew about abuse and chose not to report it, the church itself — not just the individual abuser — may be legally responsible in civil court. Clergy sexual abuse lawsuit settlements can help survivors access treatments, recover lost wages, and move forward.

The Church of Scientology

Church sexual abuse lawsuits filed against the Church of Scientology often center on how its internal policies allegedly discourage members from reporting sexual assault to police at all.

Here are some key factors in previous Scientology sexual abuse lawsuits:

• Three former Scientology members sued the church in 2022 for child trafficking and sexual abuse within its Sea Org workforce while they were employed as minors.
• In 2022, a woman also filed a child sexual abuse lawsuit against the Church of Scientology, alleging she was groomed and sexually assaulted while a minor before being forced to marry her abuser.
• One person who accused Danny Masterson, a well-known Scientology member, of sexual assault testified that when she reported it to a church ethics officer, she was told “no crime was committed” and that a girlfriend couldn’t be raped by her own boyfriend.
• Four women sued Masterson and the Church of Scientology in 2019, alleging they were stalked and harassed after filing sexual assault reports with the Los Angeles Police Department. Their church sexual abuse lawsuit included claims of surveillance, hacked accounts, and property damage.
• The 2019 lawsuit also alleged that the church didn’t allow members to report crimes committed by any of its other members to police, and that phones in certain church facilities couldn’t dial 911.

Institutions can create and enforce internal policies that discourage people from reporting abuse to law enforcement, delaying their ability to come forward or expose retaliation. That conduct may be legally relevant alongside the clergy sexual abuse itself.

You don’t have to figure out how to file a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit alone. Our compassionate team is here whenever you’re ready to get support.

Who Can File a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

If you were sexually abused by a religious leader, you may be able to file a civil clergy sexual abuse lawsuit, regardless of your age now or if the abuse happened decades ago.

You may be able to file a church sexual abuse claim if:

• You were sexually abused as a child or an adult by a priest, pastor, elder, or other religious leader who used their authority or position of trust to harm you.
• You reported the abuse at the time and were ignored, disbelieved, or discouraged from involving the police.
• The abuse happened at a church, religious school, youth group, camp, or during private counseling or mentorship.
• A family member died as a result of abuse-related harm, and you’re a surviving spouse, child, or parent (in some states, this may allow a wrongful death claim).
• You were abused by someone other than clergy (a volunteer, teacher, or staff member) at a religious institution that knew or should have known about the risk.

You may still qualify to work with a church sexual abuse lawyer even if you left the church or your abuser passed away before you filed a report.

Filing rules vary significantly by state, so the best way to know whether you qualify is to talk with a clergy sexual abuse law firm.

Clergy Sexual Abuse News and Updates

State law changes continue to reshape how survivors can come forward after church sexual abuse. Staying informed could help you determine what’s best for your situation.

Here’s the latest news about clergy sexual abuse laws:

• July 31, 2026: Weeks after Rhode Island’s new revival-window law took effect, the Diocese of Providence was hit with more than 50 sexual abuse lawsuits, some dating back as far as 35 years.
• July 30, 2026: The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that clergy members cannot be required to report child sexual abuse disclosed through confession, reinforcing “clergy-penitent privilege.”
• July 1, 2026: Rhode Island’s new lookback window reopened childhood sexual abuse claims officially took effect, allowing survivors to file previously time-barred lawsuits through June 30, 2028.
• May 11, 2026: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 542 into law, which broadened the definition of clergy sexual abuse to provide greater accountability for victims.
• May 15, 2026: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed HF 1036 into law, extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors from 1 year to 5 years after reaching adulthood, or 5 years from discovery.
• January 1, 2026: A California sexual assault lookback window began, opening a new legal path for people who experienced sexual abuse as adults but were prevented from filing lawsuits due to past time limits.
• June 2024: Louisiana’s Supreme Court extended the state’s lookback window for child sexual assault claims through June 14, 2027.
• October 2023: Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023 removed the filing deadline for childhood sexual abuse claims.

You may be able to file a clergy abuse lawsuit because of these changes, depending on where you live and when you were harmed. If you’ve experienced sexual abuse in the church or another religious institution, talk with our team about legal updates that might help you take action.

How Much Are Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Settlements and Verdicts Worth?

There is no standard clergy abuse settlement amount. Compensation depends on your state’s laws, how the abuse impacted your life, and other case-specific factors.

Recent settlements involving Catholic dioceses have ranged from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars as they often resolve claims involving many survivors.

Notable clergy sexual abuse lawsuit settlements and verdicts include:

• $323 million settlement for 600 survivors of sexual abuse from New York’s Diocese of Rockville Centre
• $246 million settlement that resolved 450 claims of church sexual abuse by the Diocese of Rochester, New York
• $95 million verdict awarded to a survivor of clergy sexual abuse in New York more than 40 years after the harm occurred
• $16 million verdict awarded to a man who experienced church sexual abuse by a member of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland, California
• $148 million settlement between the New York Albany Diocese and 186 survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy
• $150 million settlement with the Buffalo Catholic Diocese and 90 people who filed church sexual assault lawsuits
• $176.1 million settlement that resolved 411 claims of clergy sexual abuse against the Diocese of Syracuse in New York
• $395 million settlement with California’s Archdiocese of San Francisco and 530 people who filed clergy sexual abuse lawsuits

“I can tell you that many institutions won’t let it get to litigation, meaning they won’t let us file a suit because they don’t want their name in the newspaper. And so in those circumstances, they’ll start negotiating much sooner, especially if the perpetrator is known to them.”

— Ricky LeBlanc, managing attorney with Sokolove Law

Many church sexual abuse attorneys secure compensation with out-of-court settlements, but if they go to court, some verdicts may result in higher compensation.

Do Bankruptcy Claims Invalidate Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases?

A bankruptcy filing does not automatically mean you can no longer seek compensation for clergy sexual abuse. However, it may change how you can file claims and receive compensation.

Here’s what happens after a religious institution files for bankruptcy:

1. Bankruptcy courts may set specific deadlines for filing sexual abuse claims or create procedures for compensating eligible survivors.
2. Survivors may be required to submit their paperwork through the bankruptcy case to consolidate their clergy sexual abuse claims if they’re filed against the same institution.
3. The court can then approve a plan establishing funds and payout eligibility.
4. Depending on the bankruptcy case, insurance companies, dioceses, parishes, and other parties may contribute money toward a settlement.

If you’ve experienced sexual abuse in the catholic church and the institution has filed for bankruptcy protection, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help you understand whether you can still submit a claim.

How Compensation From a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuit May Help

Financial compensation cannot undo clergy sexual abuse or erase its effects. It may, however, help address some of the financial and personal harm a survivor has experienced.

Depending on the claim, church sexual abuse compensation may cover:

• Counseling or mental health treatment
• Lost income or reduced ability to work
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages when legally available
• Other losses or harm related to the abuse

For many survivors, compensation acknowledges their suffering and makes recovery resources more affordable. Pursuing a settlement or verdict can also be an important step toward holding abusers and enabling institutions accountable.

What Is the Clergy Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations?

Every state has a statute of limitations, also called a filing deadline, that determines how long someone has to file certain legal claims. Historically, these deadlines prevented many survivors of child sexual abuse from suing by the time they were ready to come forward.

Some states only allow sexual abuse survivors to file claims within 1 year of their abuse, so it’s important to act quickly if you think you may have a case.

Statutes of limitations for clergy sexual abuse vary by state. Where the abuse occurred, your age at the time, when you recognized its effects, and changes in state law affect which claims are eligible.

Don’t assume you’re out of time to file a clergy abuse lawsuit. More and more states are extending filing deadlines or establishing lookback windows, allowing survivors like you to take action for abuse that occurred decades ago.

Call our team at (877) 640-6101 to talk about your experience and see if you may be able to take action within your state’s statute of limitations.

What Evidence Can Strengthen a Clergy Sexual Abuse Claim?

You may worry that you can’t bring a claim because the abuse happened years ago and you don’t have physical evidence. However, you may still be able to file because a lawyer can gather evidence on your behalf.

Evidence in clergy sexual abuse lawsuits may include:

• Church, parish, or school records
• Internal records showing how an institution responded to earlier reports
• Letters, emails, photographs, or other communications
• Lists of clergy members with credible allegations
• Medical or therapy records when relevant
• Personnel or assignment records
• Previous complaints involving the same clergy member
• Witness statements
• Your account of what happened
• Other kinds of evidence, depending on your case

You are not expected to personally uncover decades-old church records before speaking with a clergy sexual abuse lawyer. Part of an attorney’s job is to investigate claims and seek evidence that may not be available to you.

How a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help

You don’t have to navigate the legal system by yourself. Church sexual abuse lawyers can gather evidence and fight for a meaningful settlement on your behalf if you’re eligible to file a claim.

Here’s how you can work with our partner clergy sexual abuse lawyers:

1. Get a free case review: Speak with our team about your experience and see if you qualify to file a lawsuit, without any upfront fees or commitments.
2. Collect evidence: Your church sexual assault attorney will gather documentation and other kinds of evidence to strengthen your claim.
3. File your clergy sexual abuse lawsuit: Your lawyer will file your lawsuit in the proper court before your state’s statute of limitations passes.
4. Rest at home: Your attorney will negotiate compensation or represent you in court if the other party won’t settle while you focus on your recovery.

Our partner clergy sexual abuse law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.

Talk with our team now to see if you can work with a church sexual abuse lawyer.

Get Help After Clergy Sexual Abuse

You may have been taught that you could trust a priest, pastor, religious teacher, or church leader, until their sexual abuse began. Maybe you’ve carried what happened for years and thought it was too late to seek accountability or compensation.

We help eligible survivors connect with experienced clergy sexual abuse attorneys who have recovered $10.5 Billion to date for victims of injustice.

Even if you were sexually abused decades ago, you may be able to seek justice and get a sense of closure.

Get a free case review or call (877) 640-6101 to see which legal options may still be available in your case.