Leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), known for practicing polygamy and advocating for strict adherence to religious principles.
Rulon Jeffs, known to his followers as "Uncle Rulon," was a prolific polygamist and religious leader who served as the president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church) from 1986 until his death in 2002. During his tenure, Jeffs solidified the FLDS Church's reputation as a Mormon fundamentalist organization, attracting both devoted followers and intense scrutiny from outsiders.
Born on December 6, 1909, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rulon Jeffs was the son of David William Ward Jeffs, a first-generation Mormon fundamentalist. His early life was marked by secrecy, with his family living under a pseudonym to avoid detection by the authorities. It wasn't until 1938, when Jeffs was introduced to the teachings of Mormon fundamentalism by his father, that he began to embrace the principles that would shape his life's work.
Jeffs' spiritual awakening led him to join the FLDS Church, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He was ordained a high priest apostle in 1945 by John Y. Barlow, a prominent figure in the Mormon fundamentalist movement. Following Barlow's death, Jeffs became a protégé of Leroy S. Johnson, a senior member of the Priesthood Council. When Johnson passed away in 1986, Jeffs assumed the leadership of the FLDS Church, a position he held until his death in 2002.
Under Jeffs' leadership, the FLDS Church faced intense scrutiny for its practices, particularly polygamy. Critics accused the church of promoting underage marriage, abuse, and exploitation of women. Jeffs' own family life was also marked by controversy, including his marriage to multiple wives and the eventual succession of his son, Warren Jeffs, who would go on to face serious criminal charges.
Jeffs was a staunch defender of Mormon fundamentalism, believing in the importance of following the principles of the early Mormon Church. He advocated for the reinstatement of polygamy, which had been officially disavowed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) in the late 19th century. Jeffs' beliefs were deeply rooted in his conviction that the FLDS Church was the true continuation of Joseph Smith's original vision.
Rulon Jeffs' legacy is complex and multifaceted. While his leadership of the FLDS Church was marked by controversy and criticism, he remains a revered figure among his followers. His commitment to Mormon fundamentalism has inspired generations of polygamists and those seeking a more traditional interpretation of Mormon teachings. However, his actions and beliefs have also been widely condemned by human rights advocates and those concerned about the welfare of women and children within the FLDS Church.
Love him or hate him, Rulon Jeffs was a complex and influential figure in the world of Mormon fundamentalism. His legacy continues to shape the FLDS Church and inspire controversy to this day.
