When journalist Murray Jones investigates the vast wealth of the Mormon church in New Zealand, an intriguing Facebook post alerts him to a scandal that’s much bigger, and much, much darker.  

When journalist Murray Jones investigates the vast wealth of the Mormon church in New Zealand, an intriguing Facebook post alerts him to a scandal that’s much bigger, and much, much darker.

How far has the Mormon church gone to cover up abuse? 

When journalist Murray Jones started looking into the church's finances in New Zealand, an intriguing Facebook post alerted him to a much bigger - and much darker - scandal.

From the NZ Herald, Heaven's Helpline is a six-part investigation into how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built a system thatprotects its wealth and reputation – and shields sexual predators from the law. 

Listen to episodes weekly from October 17th. Funded by NZ on Air. 

How far has the Mormon church gone to cover up abuse? 
When journalist Murray Jones started looking into the church's finances in New Zealand, an intriguing Facebook post alerted him to a much bigger - and much darker - scandal.
From the NZ Herald, Heaven's Helpline is a six-part investigation into how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built a system that protects its wealth and reputation – and shields sexual predators from the law. 
Listen to episodes weekly from October 17th. Funded by NZ on Air.

Heaven's Helpline

Episode 1: The Business of Saving Souls

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/651808d3-d12d-4fc9-b9a8-b20a0176a5bc/transcript

Murray hears tale after tale of abuse within Mormon congregations and at the centre of every story, there’s a “bishop”. Who are these men? Why are they so involved in members’ lives? And do their actions help the church keep crimes secret?

Family violence:

If you’re in danger now phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.

Where to go for help or more information:
Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
Women’s Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz\
Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584
It’s Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz

Sexual assault support services:

If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:

Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Email support@safetotalk.nz
For more information visit safetotalk.nz

If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

Murray hears tale after tale of abuse within Mormon congregations and at the centre of every story, there’s a “bishop”. Who are these men? Why are they so involved in members’ lives? And do their actions help the church keep crimes secret?
Family violence:
If you’re in danger now phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
Where to go for help or more information:
<ul>
<li>Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 <a href="http://www.2shine.org.nz">www.2shine.org.nz</a></li>
<li>Women’s Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz\</li>
<li>Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584</li>
<li>It’s Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 <a href="https://www.areyouok.org.nz">www.areyouok.org.nz</a></li>
</ul>
Sexual assault support services: If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
Call 0800 044 334 Text 4334 Email support@safetotalk.nz For more information visit safetotalk.nz
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.

Episode 3: The Bishop's Tale

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/97f41809-19f2-4294-99c3-b2120001f914/transcript

A fanatical “priesthood holder” pressures young Mormon Caroline into marriage and motherhood. When the relationship descends into extreme abuse, Caroline is rescued by a church leader, but others up the ranks are not so supportive. Whose side are they really on?

A fanatical “priesthood holder” pressures young Mormon Caroline into marriage and motherhood. When the relationship descends into extreme abuse, Caroline is rescued by a church leader, but others up the ranks are not so supportive. Whose side are they really on?

Episode 2: This Changes Everything

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f0b79526-a440-4357-9607-b20a0178c1d1/transcript

What do Mormons actually believe? And how did this mega-wealthy American church gain such a foothold in New Zealand? (Please note: this is an optional episode for history lovers, so you can safely skip it without losing the thread.)  

What do Mormons actually believe? And how did this mega-wealthy American church gain such a foothold in New Zealand? (Please note: this is an optional episode for history lovers, so you can safely skip it without losing the thread.)

Explainer: A Brief History of Mormons in Aotearoa

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7047500c-4d21-452f-b8ae-b20a017754ca/transcript

Episode 1: The Business of Saving Souls

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