The Tithing Fund and Financial Claims
In 2019, a whistleblower complaint revealed that the LDS Church had accumulated over $100 billion in a tax-exempt investment fund called Ensign Peak Advisors, funded primarily by tithing contributions from members. In 2023, the SEC fined the church and Ensign Peak $5 million for filing misleading disclosures that obscured the fund's size and ownership through multiple shell entities.
Civil lawsuits filed by former members allege that they donated tithing under the belief it was used for charitable purposes -- humanitarian aid, church operations, temple building -- when in fact billions were accumulated in an investment reserve. Plaintiffs argue this constitutes fraud: the church solicited charitable contributions under pretenses that materially misrepresented the funds' actual use.
Sexual Abuse Claims
Separate lawsuits allege that the LDS Church concealed sexual abuse by ecclesiastical leaders, bishops, and volunteers, and that when abuse was reported to church leadership, the church prioritized institutional protection over victim welfare. The church's 'help line' -- a confidential line bishops could call for guidance on abuse disclosures -- has been alleged to have been used to manage cover-up rather than report abuse to authorities.
State legislation creating lookback windows for child sexual abuse claims (similar to New York's Child Victims Act) has enabled formerly time-barred claims to be filed against the LDS Church and other religious institutions in multiple states. The scope of LDS Church abuse litigation continues to grow as new lookback windows open in additional states.
Who May Have Claims
Former LDS members who donated tithing under the representations described above may have standing to pursue financial fraud claims, though courts have been divided on whether religious donation solicitation can give rise to actionable fraud claims. Related: Job Corps Lawsuit.
Survivors of sexual abuse by LDS Church leaders or in LDS Church settings who have not yet filed claims should consult with an attorney immediately about applicable lookback window legislation in their state. Related: LDS tithing fraud claims.
Status 2026
Financial fraud claims are in active proceedings in multiple courts. Sexual abuse claims are proceeding through state courts in states with active lookback windows. The institutional response from the LDS Church continues to evolve as litigation develops.
How to Get Legal Help
If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria described above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Most plaintiff-side attorneys handling these cases work on contingency -- meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation including receipts, correspondence, or evidence of the harm you experienced.
To stay current on case developments, claim deadlines, and settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to LawsuitWatch alerts. Coverage is updated as new court filings, settlement announcements, and eligibility changes are made public.
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LDS Church Lawsuit: Tithing Fund Fraud & Sexual Abuse Claims: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
What is the LDS Church being sued for?
Two main categories: financial fraud over the use of tithing contributions (the Ensign Peak fund), and sexual abuse by church leaders with institutional cover-up.
What is Ensign Peak Advisors?
Ensign Peak is the investment fund where the LDS Church accumulated over $100 billion, funded primarily by member tithing. The SEC fined the church for misleading disclosures about the fund.
Can I sue for tithing fraud?
Civil lawsuits have been filed. Courts vary in their willingness to adjudicate religious donation fraud claims; the case law is evolving.
Is there a lookback window for LDS abuse claims?
Several states have enacted lookback windows. Contact a child sexual abuse attorney to determine if a lookback window applies in your state and whether your claims are timely.
Was the LDS Church fined by the SEC?
Yes. The LDS Church and Ensign Peak paid $5 million in SEC fines in 2023 for filing misleading disclosures that concealed the fund's size and ownership structure.