What I don't understand about s-xual abuse allegations and Church leaders is WHY some leaders fail to report it to the police? In this case, even the Church as a body supported the action of this Bishop and those who knew this guy (a police officer) have confessed to the abuse of molesting babies. The only thing the Bishop did was to "strongly encourage" him AND his wife to report it to the authorities but it was ONLY when a police officer (two months later) moved to the new ward and found out about the punishment he got (excommunication) and the fact he was NOT turned in to the authorities.
I understand the LEGAL aspect and obligations, however how is possible that from a HUMAN stand point so many people could have known this and yet FAILED to call the authorities?
Source 8
Church members aware of crimes won't be charged
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho authorities say as many as 15 church members who knew for several months a Boise police officer had confessed to molesting children will face no criminal charges for failing to report the crimes. The Ada County Sheriff's Office says members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are protected by Idaho's clergy privilege law. Ref. Source 1
People need to ask for written qualifications before going to a therapist, however in this case they trusted the Bishop who seems like did not request the documents but after the fact.
LDS Bishop charged with failure to report, abuse case was dismissed
PROVO - Misdemeanor failure to report abuse charges were filed against an LDS bishop Friday.
Police had said earlier in the week that they anticipated that Amado Rojas, 32, would be charged with failure to report the abuse of a child, a class B misdemeanor, even though the alleged abuse case was dropped. Ref. Source 1
Some of the crimes I'm reading here are heinous but then again remember Ted Bundy used to be a member of the church too. Its ashamed that people walk the earth intent on just doing evil things.
LDS branch president accused in genital-biting attack
According to a probable cause statement, the girl told police that she and her brother were home alone on May 8 when Guzman knocked on the door, discovered that her 20-year-old brother was in the shower, then suddenly grabbed the girl, hugged her tightly then started kissing her and grabbed her buttocks... Ref. Source 5