The Church of Jesus Christ responded twice to the recent AP story about the Latter-day Saint helpline for these reasons:
“The church has issued a strong response because this is a topic where there can be no mincing of words, no hint of apathy and no tolerance for any suggestion that we are neglectful or not doing enough on the issue of child abuse,” the statement said.
“We will not stand by while others mischaracterize or completely misrepresent the church’s long-term efforts and commitment,” it said. “Nor will we tolerate the Associated Press or any other media to make such gross errors on the details of such a tragic and horrific incident as what occurred in Arizona.”
Here’s a round-up of the latest stories on the issue:
“What the bishops knew: Church releases details, timeline about Arizona sex abuse case”
Are Publicized Abuse Cases Exceptional or Representative of our Faith?
“Reporting Abuse, Church Helpline, & the Bishop | An Interview with Jennifer Roach”
“Reflections on Abuse, Reporting, and the Church”
“Failure to Report Sexual Abuse—Bisbee, Arizona: 37 Primary Sources”