History of Polygamy in the LDS Church

Joseph Smith learned of the principle of polygamy, also known as plural marriage, while translating the Book of Mormon. In the early 1840’s he explained the principle to Brigham Young, but both were reluctant. By the 1850’s polygamy was instituted as a principle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however it has not been practiced in the Mormon Church for more than a century.

Why was polygamy practiced?

The most commonly believed reason is because God told the Latter-day Saints to, even though they didn’t completely understand why. Many people believe that it allowed a large number of second and third generations to be born into families with parents deeply devoted to the Mormon Church. Men must be called by God to practice polygamy and their worthiness was strictly watched.

Why was polygamy ended?

There are many reasons why polygamy was stopped, but the most important is because doctrine of the Mormon Church taught that members were subject to the laws of their land and the United States had made polygamy illegal. In 1890, president of the Church Wilford Woodruff issued an official proclamation that stopped the practice of polygamy. By this time there were very few who actually practiced plural marriage.

Concerning groups who practice polygamy today, the current prophet and president of the Mormon Church, Gordon B. Hinckley, stated,

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” (A of F 1:12). One cannot obey the law and disobey the law at the same time.

There is no such thing as a “Mormon Fundamentalist.” It is a contradiction to use the two words together.

More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows polygamy, the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage (lds.org/newsroom)

For More Information

Plural Marriage — MormonWiki.com