- There are 13 million Mormons in the United States and around the world, and not one of them is a polygamist.
- "Mormon" is the most common and widely accepted name for a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City. "Mormons" have nothing whatsoever to do with the Texas sect known as "FLDS," or with any other polygamous group.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn't allow anyone practicing polygamy to be a member.
- Polygamy was part of our past, for about 50 years in the 19th century. But it is not part of our present. Polygamy was officially discontinued in 1890 — 118 years ago.
- When practiced by Mormons in the 19th century, polygamy was quite unlike the depictions of polygamous groups now seen on TV. For instance, a woman had freedom of choice as to whom she would marry. She made her own decisions about life, education and personal pursuits and did not isolate herself from the world.
- Today's Mormons live in every state of the U.S. and in 162 countries. Mormon men and women can be found in all professional fields — doctors, teachers, police officers, scientists and soldiers. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has sung at presidential inaugurations and at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
- The FLDS group adopted the name "Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" in the early 1990s (watch video). It is an isolated group numbering a few thousand members. There should be no confusion between Mormons and polygamists.
Do Mormons Practice Polygamy?
NO.
Mormons and polygamy — here are the facts:
"This Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy." The late Gordon B. Hinckley, speaking about the clear distinction between the Church and polygamous sects.
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