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What is the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)?

What is the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)?

The Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) is a religious sect that branched off from the mainstream Mormon church in the early 20th century. The FLDS is known for practicing polygamy and for strict adherence to religious doctrines established by its founder, Joseph Smith. With its headquarters in the border towns of Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona, the FLDS has faced controversy and legal challenges due to its practices and the alleged mistreatment of its members, particularly women and children.

What are the beliefs of the FLDS?

The FLDS follows a set of fundamentalist principles that include a strong belief in polygamy as a religious and spiritual practice. They believe that God has commanded them to engage in plural marriage, and view it as a means to achieve exaltation in the afterlife. Other key beliefs include a strict adherence to modesty and traditional gender roles, isolation from the outside world, and a hierarchy led by a prophet who claims direct revelation from God.

How did the FLDS come into existence?

The FLDS traces its roots back to the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), which was founded by Joseph Smith in the 1830s. After the LDS church officially disavowed polygamy in the late 19th century, some members refused to abandon the practice and formed splinter groups, including the FLDS. The FLDS emerged under the leadership of prominent figures such as John Y. Barlow and his son Leroy S. Johnson, who sought to preserve and continue the practice of polygamy.

What is the role of women in the FLDS?

In the FLDS, women are expected to be subservient to men and fulfill traditional gender roles. They are taught to prioritize homemaking, childbearing, and obedience to their husbands. Women typically marry at a young age and are often assigned to serve as wives to older men within the community. They are expected to dress modestly, abstain from makeup and immodest clothing, and adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the church leaders.

Are all FLDS communities the same?

No, FLDS communities can vary in their level of adherence to the group’s principles and practices. Some communities are more extreme in their beliefs and practices, while others may have adopted more progressive or moderated views. However, all communities associated with the FLDS share the belief in polygamy and follow the leadership of the chosen prophet.

Why has the FLDS faced legal challenges?

The FLDS has encountered numerous legal challenges primarily due to its practice of polygamy, which is illegal in the United States. Authorities have pursued legal action against FLDS leaders and members for charges related to child abuse, sexual assault, welfare fraud, and other crimes. Additionally, allegations of human rights abuses, including forced underage marriages and the mistreatment of women and children, have further fueled legal and societal scrutiny of the FLDS.

How have polygamist communities impacted individuals within the FLDS?

Polygamist communities, including those associated with the FLDS, have had a significant impact on individuals within the communities. Some individuals, particularly women and children, have reported experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The practice of polygamy can often lead to power imbalances within relationships and contribute to the marginalization and control of certain members.

What steps have been taken to address the issues within the FLDS?

Government agencies, law enforcement, and advocacy groups have collaborated to address the issues within the FLDS and protect the rights of its members. This has involved providing support, resources, and safe spaces for individuals seeking to leave the community, as well as pursuing legal action against perpetrators of abuse. Efforts have also been made to raise awareness about the FLDS and educate the public about the realities of life within the community.

What is the current status of the FLDS?

The FLDS has faced significant challenges in recent years. Multiple leaders have been convicted of crimes, resulting in changes in leadership and a decline in the influence of the group. In addition, some members have chosen to leave the community, seeking a different way of life. While the FLDS continues to exist, its numbers have dwindled, and its once prominent role within the polygamist landscape has diminished.

How do mainstream Mormons view the FLDS?

Mainstream Mormons, also known as members of the LDS church, generally do not associate with or endorse the FLDS. The LDS church officially abandoned the practice of polygamy in 1890 and has actively distanced itself from splinter groups like the FLDS. Mainstream Mormons view the FLDS as a sect that deviates from the original teachings of their faith and often express concerns about the welfare and rights of individuals within the FLDS community.

What is the public perception of the FLDS?

The public perception of the FLDS is often negative and driven by media coverage of its controversial practices and legal troubles. Many people view the group as a cult that exploits its members, particularly women and children, for the benefit of a few powerful leaders. The association with polygamy also adds to the skepticism and unease surrounding the FLDS, as the practice is widely considered illegal and morally questionable.

What support and resources are available for individuals leaving the FLDS?

Numerous organizations and support networks have been established to assist individuals who choose to leave the FLDS and transition to a new life outside the community. These organizations offer various forms of aid, including shelter, counseling, education, legal support, and job training. They aim to provide both immediate and long-term assistance to help individuals rebuild their lives and integrate into society.

What reforms have been proposed within the FLDS?

Over the years, advocates for change within the FLDS have proposed various reforms to address the issues associated with the group. These reforms include the elimination of polygamy and the implementation of measures to protect the rights of women and children. Some individuals within the FLDS have also called for greater transparency and accountability among the group’s leadership to prevent abuses of power.

What is the international perspective on the FLDS?

Internationally, the FLDS has garnered attention and criticism for its practices and the alleged mistreatment of its members. Human rights organizations and governments have expressed concerns about the violation of women’s and children’s rights within the community. The international perspective on the FLDS largely aligns with the perception within the United States, with many countries vocally condemning the group’s practices and calling for action to protect its members.

What is being done to prevent the spread or formation of similar groups?

Efforts to prevent the spread or formation of similar groups like the FLDS primarily involve raising awareness about the dangers and human rights abuses associated with such communities. Education, advocacy, and legal action against group leaders who facilitate illegal activities help discourage the formation of new groups. Additionally, providing support and resources for individuals seeking to leave these groups can assist in breaking the cycle of abuse and control.

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