Understanding Fundamentalist LDS Groups and Their Continued Practice of Polygamy

An explainer on the distinct religious communities that separated from the mainstream Latter-day Saint church to continue practicing plural marriage.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Aug 21, 2026

Branched from Theological Justifications and Scriptural Basis for Early Latter-day Saint Plural Marriage

Quick take

Fundamentalist LDS groups are distinct religious communities that broke away from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over the discontinuance of plural marriage.
These groups believe plural marriage is a divine commandment essential for exaltation, based on early Latter-day Saint revelations.
Practitioners often live in insular communities, facing legal and social challenges due to the illegality of polygamy in most places.
Major groups include the FLDS and the AUB, though they are diverse and decentralized.

Fundamentalist Latter-day Saint (LDS) groups are distinct religious communities that separated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints primarily because they continued to practice and defend plural marriage (polygamy) after the mainstream church officially discontinued it in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These groups view plural marriage as a foundational and eternal doctrine essential for the highest degree of salvation and exaltation.

Core Beliefs Driving Continued Polygamy

For fundamentalist groups, the practice of plural marriage is not merely a cultural tradition but a direct commandment from God, revealed through Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. They believe that this commandment remains eternal and that its cessation by the mainstream church was a deviation from divine will, often attributing it to government pressure rather than continuing revelation. Adherents believe that entering into celestial plural marriage is a prerequisite for achieving godhood and the highest level of glory in the afterlife, where individuals can continue to have spirit children and expand their eternal family.

This belief system often emphasizes a strong patriarchal structure, where men are expected to take multiple wives to fulfill this commandment, and women are taught that their salvation is tied to supporting their husbands in this endeavor. The concept of "continuing revelation" is central, as leaders within these fundamentalist groups claim to receive ongoing guidance that reinforces their commitment to plural marriage.

Major Fundamentalist Groups and Their Practices

While often grouped together, fundamentalist LDS communities are diverse and decentralized, with varying interpretations and practices. Some of the more well-known groups include the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), and others in smaller, often isolated communities in states like Utah, Arizona, and parts of Canada. These groups are entirely separate from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which excommunicates members who practice polygamy.

Life within these communities is often highly insular, with a focus on self-sufficiency and maintaining distinct cultural and religious identities. Education, social interactions, and even economic activities may be centered within the group. While some communities are relatively open, others are extremely closed, leading to issues like child welfare concerns, particularly regarding underage marriages and the exploitation of young women, which have drawn significant legal and public scrutiny.

Why This Continues to Matter Today

The continued existence and practices of fundamentalist LDS groups present ongoing social, legal, and ethical challenges. Legally, polygamy remains illegal in all U.S. states and in Canada, leading to frequent conflicts between religious freedom claims and state laws concerning marriage, child protection, and fraud. Socially, these communities often face scrutiny over their treatment of women and children, particularly in cases involving underage marriages or allegations of abuse, which can lead to legal interventions and the breakdown of communities.

For the broader public and the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these groups often contribute to misunderstandings about Latter-day Saint beliefs and history, despite the clear distinction between them. The issues highlight the complex interplay between religious freedom, human rights, and the rule of law in modern society.

Are fundamentalist LDS groups part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

No. Fundamentalist LDS groups are entirely separate from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mainstream church officially discontinued the practice of plural marriage over a century ago and excommunicates any members who practice it today.

Is polygamy legal in the United States?

No, polygamy is illegal in all 50 states and in Canada. While individuals cannot be prosecuted for their religious beliefs, the act of entering into multiple marriages is against the law.

Why do these groups continue to practice polygamy if it's illegal?

Adherents of fundamentalist groups believe that plural marriage is a divine commandment and a necessary path to exaltation in the afterlife. They often view legal prohibitions as infringements on their religious freedom and may practice it covertly or openly, sometimes leading to legal conflicts.

How many people belong to these fundamentalist groups?

Estimates vary widely, but the total number of individuals in fundamentalist polygamous groups is relatively small, likely in the tens of thousands across various independent communities, compared to the millions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What are some common misconceptions about these groups?

A common misconception is that all Latter-day Saints practice polygamy, which is false. Another is that all fundamentalist groups are alike; in reality, they are diverse with different leaders, beliefs, and levels of openness. It's also often assumed that all polygamous relationships are coercive, though while abuses do occur and are a serious concern, the dynamics within these communities can vary.