LDS Church Faces Lawsuits and Renovations in 2025

Image credits: Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the LDS Church, is facing a wave of sexual abuse lawsuits in San Diego and across California, with plaintiffs alleging that the church failed to stop childhood sexual abuse by church leaders. This comes as the church is also undergoing significant renovations at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, including the construction of a new sealing wing and the restoration of several monuments. The renovations are expected to be completed in late 2026, with an open house celebration scheduled to run from April 2027 to October 2027.

The lawsuits against the LDS Church allege that the church knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take adequate steps to prevent it. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for the harm they suffered as a result of the abuse. The church has not commented on the specifics of the lawsuits, but has said that it takes all allegations of abuse seriously and is committed to creating a safe environment for its members. Meanwhile, the restoration work at Temple Square is progressing steadily, with several areas of the complex already reopened to the public. Visitors can now walk through the entire west side of Temple Square, including the Salt Lake Tabernacle and Assembly Hall.

The LDS Church has announced that the southwest corner of Temple Square is now open to the public, featuring three newly restored monuments, including the Seagull monument and two monuments depicting the restoration of the priesthood. The church is also adding a sealing wing to the north side of the Salt Lake Temple, which will include five additional sealing rooms. The construction work is being done to make the temple more seismically stable and to improve the overall experience for visitors. The church has said that the renovations are necessary to preserve the temple and ensure its continued use for generations to come.

Here are some key points about the LDS Church's renovations and lawsuits: * The renovations at Temple Square are expected to be completed in late 2026 * The open house celebration will run from April 2027 to October 2027 * The church is facing a wave of sexual abuse lawsuits in San Diego and across California * The plaintiffs allege that the church failed to stop childhood sexual abuse by church leaders * The church has not commented on the specifics of the lawsuits, but has said that it takes all allegations of abuse seriously

The LDS Church's renovations and lawsuits are significant developments for the church and its members. The church is committed to creating a safe environment for its members and to preserving its historic temples and buildings. The renovations at Temple Square are a major undertaking, but the church believes that they are necessary to ensure the continued use of the temple for generations to come. As the church moves forward with its renovations and responds to the lawsuits, it will be important for it to prioritize the safety and well-being of its members.