A former Latter-day Saint's lawsuit alleging fraud by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding the use of tithing funds for City Creek Center has been dismissed by a federal appeals court. The court ruled that no reasonable juror could find the church misrepresented how it spent the money.
A federal appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former Latter-day Saint against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the use of tithing funds for the construction of City Creek Center , a mall and residential complex in downtown Salt Lake City. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that no reasonable juror could find that the church misrepresented how it spent the money.
James Huntsman, who resided in California at the time, filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that he was misled by church leaders, including then-President Gordon B. Hinckley, who stated that tithing would not be used for commercial projects. The court, however, pointed out that the church had consistently explained that reserve funds, including those from tithing, were utilized for various purposes. Huntsman failed to present evidence that the church acted contrary to its stated intentions.The court also addressed the issue of church autonomy, a doctrine protecting religious institutions from undue legal interference. It concluded that the doctrine was not applicable in this case because the court's analysis of Huntsman's fraud claims did not delve into matters of church doctrine or policy. While there were differing opinions among the judges regarding the extent of church autonomy, they all agreed that Huntsman's claims lacked merit. Judge Daniel Bress, for example, found no fraudulent misrepresentation on the church's part and stated that Huntsman's case would inevitably clash with First Amendment prohibitions against courts resolving ecclesiastical disputes. Judge Patrick J. Bumatay, who had questioned Huntsman's lawyers during oral arguments, also agreed with the final decision, emphasizing that Huntsman's claims involved court interference with religious truth, making the church autonomy doctrine a relevant factor.It remains unclear if Huntsman has any legal avenues for appeal or if he intends to pursue them. The case highlights the complex interplay between religious freedom, financial transparency, and the legal system, particularly when dealing with claims of financial impropriety by religious institutions
LDS Church Tithing City Creek Center Lawsuit Appeals Court Religious Freedom Financial Transparency
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man Detained at City Creek Center After Partially Assembled Rifle FoundPolice apprehended a tourist from Australia at City Creek Center following reports of a disturbance at a coffee shop. A partially assembled rifle was discovered in the suspect's backpack.
Read more »
Beloved crown stolen from Virgin Mary statue at St. John the Evangelist church in Center CityThe crown was made of jewelry and gems donated by parishioners after the church experienced a major fire in the early 1900s, police said.
Read more »
Sixers Owe City Apology After Abruptly Ditching Center City Arena PlansPhiladelphia City Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier believes the Philadelphia 76ers owe the city an apology after abandoning plans for a new arena in Center City. Gauthier cited 'gaps in information', an unsatisfactory traffic plan, and the potential displacement of Chinatown as reasons for her opposition to the arena project.
Read more »
Greener pastures await as Big Creek Connects merges with West Creek ConservancyAfter nearly two decades of serving Brooklyn, Parma and Cleveland, Big Creek Connects merges with West Creek Conservancy.
Read more »
Ohio Church Faces Zoning and Fire Code Violations for Sheltering HomelessPastor Chris Avell and his church, Dad's Place, are battling the city of Bryan, Ohio, over zoning and fire code violations stemming from their around-the-clock shelter for the homeless. While a city judge found Avell guilty, the church plans to appeal both the criminal and civil cases. The city argues that the church lacks proper permits and safety measures, including fire sprinklers, while the church maintains its right to help those in need and claims the city is unfairly targeting them.
Read more »
New counseling center opens at Montgomery churchTurnabout Counseling Center has opened at the Frazer Church campus in Montgomery.
Read more »