A polygamous sect that split from mainstream Mormonism, known for its secretive practices and controversial leadership.
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a controversial religious sect that emerged from a schism within the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in the early 20th century. This splinter group formed primarily due to disagreements over the practice of polygamy, which the LDS Church officially abandoned in 1890 with the issuance of the Manifesto by then-President Wilford Woodruff.
The FLDS traces its origins to the belief that a divine revelation given to John Taylor, the third president of the LDS Church, in 1886 legitimized the continuation of plural marriage. This conviction led a group of fundamentalist Mormons to establish their own communities, with the area around Short Creek (now known as Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona) becoming a central hub for those who sought to maintain the practice of polygamy.
In the 1930s, the FLDS Church was formally organized under the leadership of John Y. Barlow and other prominent polygamist leaders. These individuals claimed to possess a continuous line of priesthood authority separate from the mainstream LDS Church, which they believed had strayed from the original teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism.
The FLDS Church’s doctrines and practices are rooted in early Mormon teachings, with a particular emphasis on plural marriage as a fundamental tenet necessary for salvation and exaltation in the afterlife. Members of the FLDS community adhere to a strict lifestyle, including dress codes and other regulations that set them apart from mainstream society and even from other Mormon denominations.
Throughout its history, the FLDS Church has been led by a series of prophets who claim direct communication with God. These leaders have wielded significant power over their followers, controlling various aspects of their lives, including marriage arrangements, property ownership, and employment. This centralized and autocratic leadership structure has been a defining characteristic of the FLDS Church.
One of the most notorious figures in FLDS history is Warren Steed Jeffs, who assumed leadership of the church in 2002 following the death of his father, Rulon Jeffs. Warren Jeffs’ tenure as prophet was marked by increasingly authoritarian control and a series of legal troubles. He enforced strict rules governing members’ behavior and arranged marriages, including unions between underage girls and older men within the community.
Jeffs’ controversial leadership drew intense scrutiny from law enforcement and media outlets. In 2006, he was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list and was subsequently arrested. In 2011, Jeffs was convicted on two counts of sexual assault on a child and sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years. Despite his incarceration, Jeffs has continued to exert influence over the FLDS community, issuing edicts and managing church affairs from behind bars.
The FLDS Church has faced numerous legal challenges and government interventions throughout its history. One of the most significant events occurred in 2008 when Texas authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Eldorado, Texas. This action was prompted by a phone call alleging abuse, which was later determined to be a hoax. Nevertheless, the raid resulted in the temporary removal of over 400 children from the ranch and sparked ongoing investigations into the sect’s practices.
The FLDS Church’s beliefs and practices have drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups, child welfare advocates, and the general public. Concerns have been raised about the treatment of women and children within the community, particularly regarding issues of consent in arranged marriages and the limited educational opportunities provided to FLDS youth.
Education within FLDS communities has been a subject of particular concern. Many FLDS children are educated in church-run schools or through homeschooling, with curricula that often emphasize religious instruction over secular subjects. Critics argue that this approach leaves FLDS youth ill-prepared for life outside their insular communities.
The FLDS Church’s practice of requiring members to consecrate their property to the community has led to complex legal battles over ownership and control of assets. Additionally, the group has faced allegations of welfare fraud, tax evasion, and labor law violations, further complicating its relationship with secular authorities.
Despite the legal and social challenges faced by the FLDS Church, it continues to exist, with a membership that extends across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Estimates of the group’s size vary, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of members. However, the FLDS community has experienced significant changes and internal divisions in ecent years, particularly following the arrest and imprisonment of Warren Jeffs.
The FLDS Church’s persistence in practicing polygamy and other early Mormon doctrines has set it apart from the mainstream LDS Church, creating a distinct identity that continues to draw attention and provoke debate. This adherence to practices long abandoned by the LDS Church has led to a complex relationship between the two groups, with the mainstream LDS Church distancing itself from the FLDS and other fundamentalist Mormon sects. The secretive nature of the FLDS community, combined with its controversial practices, has led to widespread media coverage and public fascination. Numerous books, documentaries, and television series have explored the inner workings of the FLDS Church, often featuring accounts from former members who have left the community. These former members have provided valuable insights into the closed society of the FLDS, shedding light on the challenges of leaving the group and integrating into mainstream society. Many ex-FLDS individuals have reported difficulties in adjusting to life outside the community, citing limited education, lack of financial resources, and the emotional trauma of leaving behind family and friends.
The future of the FLDS Church remains uncertain as it grapples with ongoing legal issues, internal divisions, and the external pressures of modern society. Some observers speculate that the group may continue to fragment, with some members seeking reform while others maintain strict adherence to traditional practices.
It’s important to note that not all fundamentalist Mormon groups share the same beliefs or practices as the FLDS Church. There are several other denominations that have different interpretations of Mormon doctrine and varying stances on issues such as polygamy and communal living.
The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints represents a unique and controversial chapter in American religious history. Its adherence to early Mormon practices, particularly polygamy, has placed it at odds with both mainstream society and the LDS Church from which it originated. The FLDS Church’s journey through legal battles, leadership controversies, and public scrutiny offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between religious beliefs, societal norms, and the law in a diverse and pluralistic society.
image via Southern Poverty Law Center
