James Huntsman, the brother of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., filed a lawsuit against The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday, alleging it fraudulently spent millions of dollars in tithing meant for charity on commercial purposes, according to reporting from the Washington Post.In the suit, Huntsman said he wants millions of dollars of his own donations back. He said he plans to give his money to “organizations and communities whose members have been marginalized by the Church’s teachings and doctrines.”
Eric Hawkins, a spokesperson for the church, said the claims are “baseless” and tithing funds are “voluntary contributions” used for religious purposes such as missionary work, education and construction of temples and other important church buildings.
Hawkins also said nothing has changed with the use of funds from the church’s investment division, Ensign Peak Advisors, since the lawsuit was filed.
