An Oregon woman claims justice for compensation of nearly $ 10 million to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon church, which she accuses of revealing a confidential confession that led to the arrest and Condemnation of her husband for sexual abuse.
Kristine Johnson heard that her husband, Timothy Samuel Johnson, 47, had had " inappropriate behavior " with a child she knew, according to the lawsuit, cited by the Statesman Journal.
In 2016, the woman told him confidentially in her church in Stayton, a town of about 9,000 inhabitants 60 miles south of Portland, to "atone for sins," according to The Oregonian, and "bring peace to her family."
A year later, the man was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 15 years in prison for four counts of second-degree sexual abuse.
His wife has now sued the church before the Marion County Circuit Court, according to CNN. The judicial procedure seeks compensation for $ 9.5 million for lost income, emotional distress and the loss of her husband's company.
He also accuses religious leaders of violating confidentiality and the " privilege of a penitent priest ." "[The clergy] knew or should have known that violating the doctrine of confidentiality under the circumstances alleged in this complaint would certainly harm (his wife and children) financially," said Bill Brandt, the family's lawyer.
The Christian organization ensures that protecting victims is one of their priorities and that its doctrine provides that its members comply with "all legal obligations " regarding collaboration with justice.
Oregon is one of 28 states that specifically includes clergy in its list of mandatory informants required to report known incidents or suspected child abuse or neglect. But what is sometimes known as a "privilege of the penitent clergy" in confessional style is an exemption from mandatory reporting laws.
"The Church teaches that its leaders and members must comply with all legal obligations to report abuse to civil authorities," said Erik Hawkins, a spokesman for the Mormon organization, "we are grateful for the efforts of the police and prosecutors to investigate and seek justice for victims of abuse. "
Christine Bartholomew, associate professor at the University of Buffalo Law School, told The Oregonian that the lawsuit could have consequences: "If it succeeds, this litigation would push the courts and these religious organizations toward less transparency. "
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has about 16.3 million faithful worldwide and about 153,300 members and 300 congregations, also known as neighborhoods, in Oregon. The rooms are run by unpaid lay clergy.
See also: The evolution of the Church in cases of sexual abuse