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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The Latest on two Navajo siblings suing the Mormon Church over alleged sexual abuse in a church program (all times local):
5 p.m.
A spokeswoman for the Mormon Church says officials will examine a lawsuit filed by two Navajo siblings who allege they were sexually abused in a church program.
Kristen Howey says the church doesn't tolerate abuse of any kind and works to prevent it. She says The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will respond appropriately to the lawsuit filed in Navajo Nation court this week.
The lawsuit seeks written apologies, unspecified damages, changes in church policy and the creation of a task force to help address cultural or social harm to Navajos.
The siblings were placed in Mormon foster homes in Utah in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Their attorney, Billy Keeler, says at least two church program leaders were alerted to abuse but failed to protect the siblings.
3 p.m.
Two Navajo siblings are suing the Mormon Church, alleging they were sexually abused during their time in a church program that placed them with foster families in Utah.
The lawsuit seeks written apologies, unspecified damages, changes in church policy and the creation of a task force to help address cultural or social harm to Navajos. It was filed Tuesday in Navajo Nation court.
Representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not immediately return messages Thursday seeking comment. The church's website says it doesn't tolerate child sexual abuse and voluntarily tracks members who harm children.
Billy Keeler, who is representing the siblings, says at least two church program leaders were alerted to abuse in the late 1970s and early 1980s but failed to protect the siblings.
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