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Mormon Leader's Remark On Sexual Misconduct Draws Criticism

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon church is facing more criticism about its approach to sexual abuse after a top leader praised the #MeToo movement but referred to sexual misconduct as "non-consensual immorality."

Some said Monday that the remark could be interpreted as victim blaming. Quentin L. Cook, a member of a top church governing body, made it Sunday as he spoke about righteousness.

It was the only reference to the topic during a two-day Mormon conference despite the church facing scrutiny. A former prominent missionary leader has been accused of sexually assaulting two women in the 1980s.

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Church spokesman Eric Hawkins declined to comment about the criticism of Cook's speech. It's common practice for church officials to let conference speeches stand without further explanation.