Introduction to FLDS

The goal of this blog is to raise awareness of the abuse that occurs among the polygamous groups in the US. The girls, women, boys, and yes even men caught in this vicious web need to know that they can leave, and that we will accept them.

This first post is mostly some background, to give you an idea who and what the FLDS is, and why I am so passionately determined to do everything I can to help.

The Fundamental Church of Latter Day Saints, more commonly known as the FLDS was founded when the mainline LDS church denounced polygamy. The mainstream LDS has decided that polygamy is “not for today,” though it will eventually be lived in heaven. The FLDS (and other Mormon fundamentalist groups), on the other hand, believes that polygamy is “The Principle” that assures admission to the highest level of heaven.

One of the conditions for Utah becoming a state was that it must outlaw polygamy. In fact, it is written into the state constitution. Therefore, those living in polygamy have been forced to live “underground.” …

As you may imagine, polygamy creates a bit of a numbers problem. Statistically, there are as many men as women. However, a man must have 3 wives to make it to the highest level of heaven. Often, the upper echelon has considerably more than that - Warren Jeffs, the self-proclaimed leader of the FLDS may have as many as 40 wives. Obviously, exact numbers are kept under wraps. Even those in the communities do not always know of the secret marriages being carried out.

Lately, the FLDS has been in the media spotlight. Warran Jeffs was finally captured, and due to Elissa Wall’s (http://www.themjfund.org/) testimony has now been convicted as an accomplice to rape. He is charged with several other crimes, as well. I believe in our justice system and am thankful he is in jail.