Popular New Zealand podcast takes critical look at Mormon church's abuse "helpline"
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A new investigative podcast from New Zealand examines how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints handles reports of abuse.
Driving the news: "Heaven's Helpline," produced by the New Zealand Herald, topped the island nation's podcast charts upon its release in October and remained among the top 10 as it released its final episode last week.
What's inside: The podcast is sharply critical, with reporter and host Murray Jones calling the church's response to abuse an "egregious failure."
- It focuses on the "helplines" created in multiple countries by the church for local clergy to call for legal advice whenever they learn of abuse involving members.
- The helpline has long been criticized as a tool to protect the church rather than abuse victims. U.S. court records show some instances where church attorneys instructed clergy not to report abuse to police, citing laws that protect confidentiality in religious confessions..
Reality check: Most of the information in the podcast is widely known in Utah — and to anyone familiar with church controversies around abuse.
The intrigue: The vast majority of the podcast's interview subjects have left the church, prompting pushback last month from Latter-day Saint leaders in the Pacific region.
- "If a reporter or anyone wants to understand the Church of Jesus Christ, by all means talk to detractors, if you wish, but also be sure to talk to at least some of its believing members," the statement reads.
The latest: In a new statement posted Tuesday, Elder Peter F. Meurs of the church's Pacific Area Presidency said: "...We are doing all we can to prevent, report and address abuse in our homes, congregations, and communities. ... We will continue to search for ways to improve how we join with others to combat the evils of abuse in our societies."
- The statement lists some measures the church is taking, including adding windows to church offices and classrooms, creating a "Life Help" section on its website and supporting victims' support organizations.
Catch up quick: The church has a long history in New Zealand, with its first baptisms there in 1854. It reports about 118,000 members there.