Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era for a controversial religious sect, or are the shadows of its past still looming large? The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (flds), a polygamous offshoot of Mormonism, remains a complex and often misunderstood entity, grappling with issues of leadership, funding, and its place in modern society.
Published on March 4, 2025, at 15:00 GMT by Briana Whitney, this report delves into the current state of the flds, examining its financial underpinnings, legal battles, and ongoing internal struggles. The flds's history is deeply intertwined with controversy. Originating over a century ago, the group broke away from the mainstream Mormon Church due to its unwavering commitment to polygamy, a practice outlawed by the larger religious body. This schism led to the establishment of tight-knit communities, most notably in the twin cities of Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, collectively known as Short Creek.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (flds) |
| Origin | Offshoot of the Mormon Church |
| Founding Date | More than 130 years ago (approx. late 19th century) |
| Location | Primarily in Short Creek, consisting of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona; historically, also other locations. |
| Key Beliefs | Polygamy, unique interpretation of LDS doctrine, strict obedience to church leaders. |
| Current Leadership | Leadership structure unclear following Warren Jeffs' imprisonment; current leadership is unknown. |
| Controversies | Polygamy, child sexual abuse, forced marriages, strict social control. |
| Funding Sources | Construction companies, individuals within the construction industry, grants. |
| Legal Status | Varies by jurisdiction; polygamy illegal in the United States. |
| Related Media | Hulu’s ‘How I Escaped My Cult’ offers insights into experiences of individuals leaving similar institutions. |
| External Resource | Wikipedia - Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints |
The flds's financial structure is primarily supported by construction companies and individuals working within that industry. This funding model has allowed the church to maintain its infrastructure and community support systems. However, there is potential for significant expansion. If other major corporations were to contribute, the annual funding could potentially reach $10 million, providing the flds with greater resources for its various initiatives. These initiatives, as suggested by information dated between June 21, 2024, and June 27, 2024, include grant agreements requiring return, executed purchase orders for continued services, and the opening of new applicant possibilities for the second year. The second round of this opportunity welcomes local governments who are either new to the program or those who wish to change or expand their current solutions.
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However, the flds is not without its challenges. The legacy of Warren Jeffs, the group’s former leader, continues to cast a long shadow. Jeffs, currently serving a life sentence for child sexual assault, enforced strict rules within the community, particularly concerning marriage and obedience. His leadership was marked by accusations of banning contact with the outside world and arranging underage marriages for young girls, practices that have drawn widespread condemnation. In the aftermath of Jeffs's arrest, members such as Wendell Jeffson and Vicki Thompson faced difficult choices between loyalty to the sect and cooperation with investigators, highlighting the intense internal conflict within the flds.
Furthermore, the insular nature of the flds community has led to other disturbing revelations. Torrance Bistline, a Utah businessman, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role as the main financier of cult leader Samuel Bateman. Bistline was accused at trial of rape, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battles involving members and affiliates of fundamentalist sects. This case, along with others involving child sexual abuse and polygamist practices in Colorado City, underscores the deeply ingrained problems that persist within certain segments of the flds community. Another member of a fundamentalist sect has been sentenced to prison for sex crimes involving children. The constant stream of legal and ethical issues continues to haunt the FLDS, and creates concerns about the current state of the group.
Despite the negative publicity, some argue that the flds provides valuable support to its members and the wider community. Proponents suggest that the FLDS embodies kindness, generosity, and assistance to all, regardless of religious affiliation. Furthermore, the relative novelty of the flds church holds appeal to some. As a more modern religion with North American roots in the LDS church, it may be seen as more relevant and accessible than other religious options. The presence of a modern living prophet, albeit one as controversial as Warren Jeffs, also contributes to its appeal for some adherents.
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The flds's relationship with technology is another area of interest. The Technology department within the flds works under the Department of Management Services (DMS) to implement policies for information technology and cybersecurity for state agencies. The head of this department is appointed by the Secretary of Management Services and serves as the State Chief Information Officer (CIO). This CIO must have at least five years of experience in the field, indicating the state's commitment to effective technology management. A January 2025 report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) forecasts that hyperscalers will account for nearly 60% of the data center industry’s growth from 2023 to 2028, further emphasizing the growing importance of technology and data management.
The geographic isolation of the flds community has also played a significant role in its history. Nestled along the border of Utah and Arizona, near Zion National Park in a community called Short Creek, the flds was able to flourish with limited external oversight for many years. Within the flds community, the prophet holds unparalleled authority, with members believing that God communicates directly through him. This system of belief reinforces the power structure within the group and can contribute to the perpetuation of harmful practices.
The flds's health issues have also attracted attention. Outside of the flds ranches, a particular condition is very rare, with only 13 known cases worldwide up to 1990. However, after 1990, 20 cases were discovered within one of the flds communities based in Arizona, suggesting a potential genetic component linked to the community's insular nature. The current and future leadership of the flds remains uncertain, with the legacy of Warren Jeffs continuing to shape the group's identity and trajectory.
Beyond the immediate concerns of the community, the name "flds" has also appeared in other contexts. From February 10 to May 10, 2025, the Bridge Theatre in London (3 Potters flds pk, London SE1 2SG) hosted an event, advertising tickets available at bridgetheatre.co.uk. The event invited guests to meet Jay Gatsby, the mysterious host of extravagant parties, promising an experience laden with wealth and pizazz. Moreover, a separate project featured Wendell Jeffson, Vicki Thompson, Nick Hanna, and Lindsay Hansen Park, focusing on the aftermath of Warren Jeffs' arrest and the choices faced by his son Wendell and wife Vicky. These instances demonstrate the varying uses of the term, creating a complex web of associations that extends beyond the religious organization itself.
Briell Decker, who grew up in the flds, has shared her experiences, providing valuable insights into the inner workings of the community. Her story, along with Hulu’s ‘How I Escaped My Cult,’ offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals who manage to break free from such institutions. These accounts serve as a reminder of the human cost associated with cult-like environments and the importance of understanding the dynamics that enable their persistence. 2025 at 5:23 pm MST marked a further update or milestone related to the flds, but the specific nature remains unspecified within the provided context.
The flds's split from the wider Mormon church in 1930 was driven by the desire to continue practicing polygamy, but under Jeffs, the organization took a much darker turn. The group's history is a complex tapestry of religious belief, societal conflict, and personal struggle, demanding a nuanced understanding to truly grasp its present state and future prospects. As the flds navigates its challenges, its actions will continue to be closely scrutinized, particularly in relation to its treatment of women and children, its financial practices, and its adherence to the rule of law.
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