No voice for victims In Mormon Disciplinary Councils

No Voice for Victims in Mormon Disciplinary Councils: A Structural Question the LDS Church Must Address

When someone reports abuse or misconduct within a religious organization, they expect their concerns to be at the center of any formal response. Yet according to testimony shared on the Mormon Stories Podcast, victims of serious misconduct in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often find themselves excluded from the very process designed to address violations committed against them. This structural gap raises an uncomfortable question: who actually represents the interests of those harmed when the LDS Church convenes a disciplinary council?

The absence of a formal voice for victims in Mormon disciplinary councils represents a significant gap between institutional procedures and pastoral responsibility, one that deserves scrutiny from both believers concerned with Church accountability and researchers examining religious institutional practices.

Background: How LDS Disciplinary Councils Function

The LDS Church's formal response to serious misconduct, including abuse, fraud, and sexual transgression, typically involves a disciplinary council. According to Church handbooks, these councils are convened by local leadership (usually a bishop or stake president) to determine whether a member should be disciplined, potentially including disfellowshipment or excommunication.

The structure is straightforward but asymmetrical. Church officials typically present the case. The accused member has the right to attend and respond. But the victim? Their presence and participation are not guaranteed by formal policy.