It is a gross mistake to call them "Mormons" and even Fundamentalist Mormons for that matter. The members of our church were nicknamed "Mormons" ever since 1830 when the church was officially organized April 6, 1830. As has been mentioned many times in My Beliefs, this event represented the restoration of Jesus Christ's ancient church in fulfillment of scriptural prophecy such as Peter's: 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:19 - 21)

That this "restoration of all things" including the ancient practice of plural marriage "to initiate a righteous nation", is troubling to most is understandable. It was troubling to those who were asked to implement it. Joseph Smith said that he would rather face death than to have to introduce such a practice and he did die young at the hands of a riotous mob not long after this practice commenced.

One of the early statements of our belief was "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:12) I bring this up because when the "Mormons" in Utah were on the verge of becoming a part of the United States, the prophet leader of the Church at that time, Wilford Woodruff, began pleading with God as to how to deal with this dilemma. After much prayer and fasting, it was revealed to him that this practice had fulfilled its purpose and was to be discontinued. That was 1890. It has since been the policy of the Church to excommunicate anyone who practices any form of plural marriage. Doubters have always claimed that this was a revelation of convenience, not from the Lord, which is really understandable, because if they really believed in latter-day prophets they may well be interested in our church which is unique in that we sincerely believe it is led by living prophets and apostles.

The truth is that our very doctrine as was published the Book of Mormon in 1829: 27 Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; 28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. 29 Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes. 30 For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things. (Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:27 - 30)

To call the FLDS "Mormons" is comparable to calling members of the Church of England (or Episcopals) Catholics from whom they split or it is like calling Lutherans Catholics. We have not practiced plural marriage for 118 years. Why can't the press get this straight? I am sorry you were misled. I love reading Mark, Luke and John and I too have a deep conviction that God, my Heavenly Father lives as does his son, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I too know that Jesus suffered and died for us so that we all will be resurrected (1 Corrinthians 15:21-22) and have the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins, his gift for those who have enough faith in him to repent of their sins, be baptized for a remission of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38)by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:15-19; see also John 3:5).

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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