Mormon Stories Podcast Mormon Church Hides Abuse of Wade Christofferson, Enabling More Abuse - Edward Nachel | Ep. 2117
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Feb 25, 2026 Edward Nachel, a former stake high councilman who once helped excommunicate Wade Christofferson, gives a firsthand account of secrecy and institutional handling of abuse allegations. He recounts closed disciplinary procedures, the absence of victims or advocates, later remorse, and calls for transparency and reform. Multiple short, candid scenes explore how secrecy may have enabled further harm.
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High Council Disciplinary Council Without Victims
- Edward Nachel described being summoned to a stake disciplinary council where Wade Christofferson was the sole person present and victims were excluded.
- The council used lot-drawing to assign six members to represent the church and six to represent Wade, then the stake presidency made the final decision in private.
Secrecy Framed Decisions Over Victim Welfare
- The High Council's mandate to 'protect the good name of the church' shaped deliberations and prioritized secrecy over victim welfare.
- Edward and five others concluded the church's name wasn't harmed because details were kept secret, influencing leniency and messaging.
Excommunication Announced But Cause Concealed
- The stake presidency excommunicated Wade but the ward was told only that he was excommunicated, not why, and many members believed it was for adultery.
- Edward later learned Wade's membership record was annotated as a child abuser at the time, though that annotation was reportedly removed when he was rebaptized.
