British court dismisses fraud charges against Mormon leader

March 25, 2014

A month after the 86-year-old American president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was ordered to appear in an English court on fraud charges, a judge has dismissed the case.

“The process of the court is being manipulated to provide a high-profile forum to attack the religious beliefs of others,” said Senior District Judge Howard Riddle.

Two former Mormons had alleged that seven Mormon teachings were fraudulently presented as true, with the result that the ex-Mormons paid an annual tithe to the church.

The seven teachings included the following: “all humans alive today are descended from just two people who lived approximately 6,000 years ago”; “Native Americans are descended from an Israelite family which left Jerusalem in 600 B.C.”; and “the Book of Mormon was translated from ancient gold plates by Joseph Smith, is the most correct book on earth, and is an ancient historical record.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Mormon leader Thomas Monson fraud case thrown out (BBC)
• British judge rejects case, calls it an 'attack' on LDS (Deseret News)
• British Court Dismisses Fraud Charges Against President of Mormon Church (Religion Clause)
• British court summons Mormon leader to appear on charges of fraudulent teaching (CWN, 2/7)