Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Polygamy

I decided to write a separate post about this issue so that I can explain more fully. At one time in the history of the church; specifically the early years, plural marriage was practiced. At that time it was not against the law of the United States. When the government made plural marriage against the law, our church discontinued the practice. When questioned about this issue, one prophet made this statement:

"President Gordon B. Hinckley stated the following about polygamy in the Church's October 1998 general conference:

“I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They know they are in violation of the law. They are subject to its penalties. The Church, of course, has no jurisdiction whatever in this matter.

"If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church. An article of our faith is binding upon us. It states, 'We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law' (Articles of Faith 1:12).” From

Most people have the misconception that Mormons are polygamists, but in fact, we do not practice it. Many of those who do practice are part of a splinter group that broke away from the church when the church discontinued this practice over 100 years ago.

We do not hold animosity towards those who do practice this, and we believe that they are our brothers and sisters, just as everyone else in this world are, but we do not agree with their teachings.

2 comments:

Me said...

You know keeping one wife happy is hard enough to do I cant imagine volunteering for more than one! These polygamist men must be masochistic I think.

GoodyMom1 said...

what's wrong with polygamy? it requires patience, selflessness, and a healthy self-image. It creates a more balanced home environment for children, and any good economist will tell you that adding one more person and one more income at the same time, the income end wins out by far.

but we americans are selfish and narrowminded, and we institutionalize our selfishness and narrowmindedness by promoting independence and legally stipulating what ought rightfully to be a private matter.