Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)

Beliefs and practices

The FLDS shares some theological roots with nineteenth-century Mormonism, but emphasizes a set of distinct beliefs and practices that set it apart from the mainstream LDS Church. Central elements include a strong emphasis on obedience to the community's prophet-leader, the practice of plural marriage as a requirement for exaltation in the afterlife, and conservative social norms. The group commonly practices arranged marriages and promotes large families. Many observers and scholars note the role of strict social discipline and internal systems for allocating spouses and resources.

Structure and community life

FLDS communities are organized around a central leader or council that oversees religious instruction, marriage arrangements and property. Daily life in some FLDS settlements has been described as communal with an emphasis on shared labor, religious education, and separation from broader secular influences. Clothing and gender roles tend to be conservative; women often wear modest, plain dress and men follow traditional patriarchal roles. For summaries and community profiles, consult community overview and sociological analysis.

History and leadership

The FLDS traces its origins to those who rejected the LDS Church's 1890 Manifesto and later changes that discouraged or forbade plural marriage. Over the 20th century, a number of independent groups emerged that continued the practice; the FLDS consolidated elements of that tradition and established identifiable communities. In recent decades the group drew international attention because of the role of charismatic leaders who asserted prophetic authority. Leadership controversies, including criminal prosecutions of senior leaders, have shaped public and legal responses to the movement. See legal and historical summaries at historical source and legal overview.

Communities and demographics

FLDS adherents have been concentrated in a few closely knit towns and settlements in the American West and in Canada. The most notable contiguous communities are the twin towns on the Utah–Arizona border often called Short Creek: Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona. Other reported communities have included locations in Texas, Colorado, South Dakota and in parts of British Columbia. Estimates of membership have varied widely; observers have suggested numbers ranging from a few thousand to around 10,000 at different times. For local profiles and population studies, see regional report and demographic notes.

Legal scrutiny and public attention

The FLDS has been the focus of law-enforcement actions and court cases involving underage marriage, sexual abuse, welfare fraud and other charges in various jurisdictions. Public attention intensified after high-profile prosecutions of top leaders and notable state interventions into FLDS communities. These events prompted debates about religious freedom, child protection, property rights and the proper scope of government action. Reporting and legal documents offer further detail and context; readers should consult multiple sources to understand the complex legal and human issues involved.

Distinctions: The FLDS is distinct from the mainstream LDS Church, which officially renounced polygamy more than a century ago and disavows FLDS teachings and practices. While the FLDS self-identifies as restoring older doctrines, it remains separate in organization, leadership and public reputation.