A recently circulated social media video features Beau Oyler, a former bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recounting an experience from more than a decade ago involving a member who confessed to abuse. His account includes serious allegations about the Church abuse help line. Because those allegations are not supported by the facts, additional context from contemporaneous records is necessary to correct the record.
What the Video Claims
In the video, Mr. Oyler asserts the following:
- He contacted the Church abuse help line and spoke only with attorneys.
- He was told he had no responsibility to take action as he was “not a mandatory reporter.”
- No one asked about the safety of the child or the family’s circumstances.
- The help line exists to protect the Church rather than the victims of abuse.
What the Records Show
Help line records from August 2013 directly contradict this narrative:
- Mr. Oyler contacted the help line three times over a three-day period and spoke with both an attorney and a licensed social worker.
- At the time of the initial call, help line personnel understood that a therapist had already reported the abuse to civil authorities.
- The social worker discussed steps to support the victim and family.
- In a final call that same week, Mr. Oyler confirmed that the therapist had reported the abuse and that the offender had subsequently self-reported.
- Help line personnel also communicated with the stake president to ensure appropriate follow-up.
- No concerns about how the matter was handled were raised with the Church at the time. The first indication of dissatisfaction came more than 13 years later through the recent social media video.
The Purpose of the Help Line
The Church abuse help line exists to help bishops and stake presidents protect and support victims of abuse and comply with civil reporting requirements. It is not intended to shield offenders or protect the Church’s image. Portrayals suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and risk undermining a resource designed to help victims and those seeking to assist them.
The Church remains firmly committed to preventing abuse, supporting victims and ensuring that local leaders have the guidance and resources needed to respond responsibly, lawfully and compassionately.