LDS Church to appeal verdict on sex abuse

Currently, the LDS Church faces another sex abuse suit in Washington by a person who alleges the sexual abuse as a child was not reported to authorities by the bishop in the 1970s and another suit in Oregon by a 45-year-old who also says the abuse was not reported.

Keetch pointed out that the LDS Church does not suffer from the sex abuse problem the Catholic Church has experienced, with clergy being the abuser. In his 15 years representing attorney, Keetch said the LDS Church has been sued only once under allegations that a bishop himself allegedly abused a child. Keetch could not comment on the case, citing confidentiality issues.

The LDS Church in past years has settled several other cases out of court. Church officials say the settlements in no way should be construed as culpability. "In virtually all cases, the church offers counseling for the victim," a church statement reads.

Keetch said he plans to filed a motion to have the trial judge reconsider the verdict, which could take up to two months. The case would then be taken to the Washington Court of Appeals, which could take more than a year for a ruling.

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Contributing: Associated Press

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