Fundamentalist of Latter Day Saints: Definition, Beliefs, and Distinctive Practices

What is a Fundamentalist of Latter Day Saints

A Fundamentalist of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) is a member of a Mormon fundamentalist group that maintains beliefs and practices abandoned by mainstream denominations such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). These groups emphasize plural marriage, United Order principles, closed priesthood authority, and strict adherence to revealed standards of conduct, often viewing their community as the sole true continuation of early Latter Day Saint teachings. This profile explains core doctrines, historical roots, leadership structures, and how these practices differ from mainstream Mormonism.

Core Doctrines and Practices

Fundamentalist groups prioritize doctrines and ordinances that were abandoned or discouraged by mainstream Latter Day Saint movements after the late 19th century. Key elements include:

• Practice of plural marriage (multiple spouses), based on the belief that it is required for exaltation.
• United Order, a system of consecration and stewardship intended to establish economic equality.
• Restricted priesthood and temple access, often limited to those within a recognized priesthood line.
• Strict adherence to Word of Wisdom interpretations, modest dress codes, and separation from the world.

Polygamy and the Priesthood

Plural marriage is central to fundamentalist theology. Leaders teach that without plural marriage, certain priesthood ordinances cannot be fully enacted. Priesthood authority is typically restricted to members who can trace succession to early Latter Day Saint leaders. This closed ecclesiastical structure means external baptisms and ordinances are often not recognized, reinforcing a strong boundary between fundamentalist groups and mainstream churches.

Historical Development and Key Leaders

Mormon fundamentalism emerged in the late 19th century in response to federal pressure against polygamy and the LDS Church’s 1890 Manifesto, which officially discontinued new plural marriages. Some leaders and congregations rejected this change and continued the practice underground. Over time, distinct groups formed, each claiming continuity with early teachings. Notable leaders include Joseph W. Musser and later Rulon C. Allred, whose lines influence several contemporary communities. The 2002 Short Creek raid and high-profile prosecutions brought increased attention to fundamentalist practices, especially around marriage and age of consent.

Organizational Structures

Most fundamentalist groups operate under a priesthood council led by a president, with tightly controlled succession. Authority is often hereditary in practice, passed through specific priesthood lineages. Congregations tend to be insular, with limited outreach and strict behavioral standards. Geographic clusters have formed in places such as Colorado City, Arizona, and Bountiful, British Columbia, where authorities have pursued legal actions related to underage marriage and welfare fraud.

Distinctions from Mainstream Mormonism

The LDS Church discontinued plural marriage in 1890 and excommunicates members who practice it. Fundamentalist groups, by contrast, regard plural marriage as essential and continue the practice, often in secrecy. Mainstream Mormonism emphasizes a large, open global church with extensive missionary work, temples, and correlation, whereas fundamentalist communities are small, insular, and emphasize separation from outside influences. Doctrinal differences also include the LDS Church’s use of modern scripture and extensive education systems, which are generally absent or minimal in fundamentalist settings.

Lifestyle and Social Structure

Fundamentalist communities typically enforce modest dress, strict gender roles, limited access to media and the internet, and home-based education or segregated schooling. Marriages are arranged or heavily influenced by community leaders, and young people often enter marriage at ages that raise legal concerns. Welfare fraud cases have occurred when large families were used to obtain government benefits, leading to prosecutions and state interventions. These lifestyle patterns are maintained to preserve theological purity and protect the community from external influences.

Contemporary Challenges and Legal Status

Fundamentalist groups face ongoing legal scrutiny, particularly regarding underage marriage, child welfare, and tax or benefit compliance. Law enforcement actions in the 2000s and 2010s highlighted tensions between religious freedom and protection of minors. Media portrayals have at times exaggerated practices, while advocacy groups argue for religious tolerance. The communities remain small, with estimates in the thousands rather than millions, and highly decentralized, making unified policy responses difficult. Leaders often communicate through controlled channels, limiting external insight into daily life and decision-making.

Misconceptions and Public Understanding

Public confusion sometimes equates all Latter Day Saint movements with fundamentalist practices. In reality, the vast majority of Latter Day Saints belong to mainstream denominations that do not practice plural marriage. Fundamentalist groups represent a specific, minority tradition that maintains older doctrines and practices. Understanding this distinction helps clarify theological differences and reduces mischaracterization. Academic research and legal records provide documented insight without sensationalizing community beliefs or individual actions.

Why This Distinction Matters

Recognizing the difference between mainstream Latter Day Saint churches and fundamentalist groups is important for accurate reporting, respectful dialogue, and informed legal and social policy. While both share historical roots, their teachings, practices, and engagement with modern society differ substantially. This understanding supports balanced discourse, appropriate outreach, and measured responses to concerns about welfare, education, and individual rights within fundamentalist communities.