With the release of Trust Me: The False Prophet on Netflix, public attention has once again turned toward the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church). In light of this renewed interest, it is important to clarify a common point of confusion: the FLDS Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are distinct faiths with very different beliefs, practices, and governing structures.
Although the two groups share historical roots dating back to early Latter-day Saint history, they are not at all the same. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formed by former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were excommunicated for their continued practice of polygamy. The two churches have developed in significantly different directions.
The Church of Jesus Christ is approaching 18 million members, with members living in approximately 150 countries. FLDS members mostly live in isolated communities in Utah, Arizona, Texas, and British Columbia. FLDS membership estimates are limited, though Reuters reported approximately 7,500 in 2007. Many members have abandoned the FLDS communities since the faith’s leader was imprisoned in 2011.
Despite the stark differences between the two faith groups, mainstream media continues to portray the FLDS members as part of “Mormonism” generally, perpetuating confusion and deeply inaccurate stereotypes about members of The Church of Jesus Christ.
One of the most visible distinctions between the groups is the practice of plural marriage. The FLDS Church continues to teach and practice polygamy as a religious requirement. In contrast, The Church of Jesus Christ officially discontinued the practice of plural marriage in 1890 and strictly prohibits it today. Yet because of the way the two groups are sometimes portrayed and conflated by media, many people erroneously think members of The Church of Jesus Christ practice polygamy.
The two groups also differ in leadership structure and governance. The FLDS Church has historically been associated with a highly centralized leadership model in which a single individual holds extensive authority over members’ lives. The Church of Jesus Christ, in contrast, is governed by a First Presidency and a Quorum of the Twelve Apostles within a structured, global ecclesiastical organization.
Differences are also evident in marriage practices and engagement with broader society. The FLDS Church and its members have been the subject of public reporting and legal cases involving coercive and underage marriages, as well as patterns of isolation from broader civic and educational systems. By contrast, The Church of Jesus Christ requires legal, consenting adult marriage and explicitly condemns abuse in all its forms. It also encourages education, civic participation, and active engagement with the wider world.
The experiences and allegations associated with the FLDS Church, as portrayed in recent media, do not reflect the doctrines, governance, or practices of The Church of Jesus Christ today. Clear distinctions between religious groups are essential for accurate public understanding, particularly when sensitive or serious topics are being discussed.
