Church debunks viral abuse help line claims, cites contemporaneous records

A social media video featuring Beau Oyler, a former bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has drawn widespread attention by recounting an experience from more than a decade ago involving a member’s confession of abuse. In the video, Mr. Oyler asserts that the Church’s abuse help line failed to prioritize the safety of a child and suggested that the system exists primarily to protect the Church rather than victims.

In response, Church leaders released a statement providing factual clarification, citing contemporaneous records from August 2013 that, they say, present a markedly different account of events.

Claims Made in the Video

Mr. Oyler states in the video that when he contacted the Church abuse help line, he spoke only with attorneys and was told he bore no responsibility to act because he was “not a mandatory reporter.” He further claims that no one asked about the safety of the child or the family’s circumstances and concludes that the help line exists to shield the Church rather than support victims.

What the Records Show

According to the Church, the abuse help line records tell a different story. Mr. Oyler contacted the help line three times over a three-day period. During these calls, he spoke not only with an attorney but also with a licensed social worker trained in abuse response and victim support.

At the time of the initial call, help line personnel understood that a licensed therapist had already reported the abuse to civil authorities, fulfilling legal obligations. The social worker provided guidance on supporting the victim and family, emphasizing care and follow-up. In a final call that same week, Mr. Oyler confirmed that the therapist had reported the abuse and that the offender had self-reported to authorities. Church personnel also communicated with the stake president to ensure proper ecclesiastical follow-up. No concerns about how the matter was handled were raised with the Church at the time, and the first recorded expression of dissatisfaction surfaced more than 13 years later via the viral video.

Purpose of the Abuse Help Line

The Church abuse help line exists to provide guidance to bishops and stake presidents facing abuse disclosures. Its purpose is to protect victims, ensure compliance with civil reporting laws, and assist leaders in responding compassionately and lawfully. The Church emphasizes that the help line is not intended to shield offenders or protect institutional reputation at the expense of victims.

Church leaders state that portrayals suggesting otherwise misrepresent both the function of the help line and the documented actions taken in this case. They caution that inaccurate representations risk undermining trust in a resource designed to assist victims and leaders striving to respond responsibly.

Commitment to Victims and Accuracy

The Church’s statement highlights its ongoing commitment to preventing abuse, supporting victims, and ensuring that local leaders have access to professional guidance when navigating complex situations. Church officials note that clarifying the record is essential not to dismiss concerns but to ensure public understanding is grounded in accurate, contemporaneous information rather than retrospective interpretation.

In matters of abuse, the Church asserts, truth and context are critical not only for accountability but also for the protection and care of those most at risk.