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Today I’m honored to introduce you all to, LDS abuse whistleblower, investigative researcher, journalist and reporter with a Masters degree in Adult Education and Training, creator of LDS Abuse, excommunicated lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nature lover, and a man on a mission to help members of the spiritual body known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints know what to expect from their church if they become victims of abuse: Justin Riggs
When I met Justin on X where he does his whistleblowing under the handle @ldsabuse, I was blown away by his body of work and what he has had the courage to help shine a light on. A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Justin was recently ex-communicated from the church earlier this year for his work - which ironically aims to help cultivate a safer environment in the church for abuse victims, children, and survivors. As many of you know from listening to this podcast or similar podcasts, religious institutions have - over time - become cesspools for abuse to happen and for abusers to hide - and the LDS church is no exception. This is not to say that all members of the church are corrupt or bad - this is to say that Justin has revealed some hidden connections that have been in plain sight all along connecting the LDS church to a long-standing relationship with the CIA as well as exposing the systemic problem of ritual abuse that has since manifested into countless testimonies from survivors who were preyed on by perpetraitors hiding behind the goodwill and secrecy embedded into the church’s very foundations.
What’s fascinating about Justin’s body of work is that what he’s discovered and uncovered can all be backed up with evidence and documentation - which he will be presenting and sharing with us today. Justin’s work helps put crucial puzzle pieces together that I believe will help you weave together a foundational core narrative that can serve as the basis of the testimonies you’ve heard and to help answer the questions of ‘Why?’ and ‘How?’. Justin’s work also helps to educate us on the difference between the church itself and the corporation and brand that work in the shadows behind the church that will stop at nothing to protect it’s reputation - including covering up abuse and sweeping it under the rug.
In Justin’s words: “When people get abused in the Church and seek help, they think they're going to get treated as a child of God, but instead they learn very quickly that their experience is dangerous to the brand of LDS, Inc., and they get treated like a Human Resource problem.”
And we have seen countless testimonies bearing the painful truth of Justin’s statement on this very podcast. Justin shares this information with us not to tear down the church, but to help eradicate the systemic abuse that has perpetuated for far too long with very little public attention or concern. Churches should function as a safe space for survivors and members to rejoice in glory and worship - not a space where protecting survivors, children and victims is a second priority behind protecting the reputation of the church itself. We will be learning a lot of new information today, so buckle up, grab a pen and paper, and give Justin your full attention as what you are about to hear today is absolutely going to blow your mind.
CONNECT WITH JUSTIN:
X: @ldsabuse - (1) LDS Abuse (@ldsabuse) / X
Website: Latter-day Abuse
