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The FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) is a polygamous group that split from mainstream Mormonism over the issue of plural marriage.1 It is widely described as a cult due to its authoritarian leadership, strict control over members' lives, and isolation from the outside world.3,5 The group is most infamous for being led by Warren Jeffs, who is serving a life sentence in prison for aggravated sexual assault.1,3
Core Beliefs and Structure
The FLDS is a fundamentalist Mormon sect that believes in "living the principle of eternal progression," which is primarily achieved through plural marriage.2 Key aspects of their belief system include:
Polygamy: The practice of plural marriage is central to their faith, believed to be necessary for achieving the highest degree of heaven.2,3
Divine Leadership: Members believe their leader, known as the "Prophet," receives direct revelations from God and has ultimate authority over both spiritual and temporal matters.3,5
Isolation: The group often lives in close-knit colonies to protect its members from outside influences and to maintain control.1,3
The Era of Warren Jeffs
Warren Jeffs became the leader of the FLDS in the early 2000s and is responsible for many of the practices that brought the group into the public eye.1
Leadership and Crimes: Jeffs, who had at least 78 wives, was convicted in 2011 for sexually assaulting two of his underage brides.1 He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.1,3
Control and Decrees: Even from prison, Jeffs has continued to issue decrees to his followers, dictating aspects of their lives, including strict rules about dress and hair for women and girls.3,4,5 He also reportedly controlled who was allowed to have children.3,4
The YFZ Ranch Raid: In 2008, a massive FLDS colony in Texas, known as the Yearning for Zion Ranch, was raided by authorities. Over 400 children were temporarily removed from the premises after allegations of abuse and neglect.3,4
Life Inside the FLDS
Former members and creators describe a life of strict rules and control.
Daily Life: Women and girls often spent a significant amount of time on their hair and clothin
2026-07-26 14:31:44