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"Celestial Marriage:" Polygamists in the FLDS(15 images)
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Celestial marriage, what members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, call polygamy, is a central tenet of their faith. They split from the mainstream LDS (Mormon) church after the Mormons banned polygamy in the late 1890's.

Members of the FLDS live in a remote enclave on the Arizona/Utah state line in the twin towns of Colorado City, AZ and Hildale,...
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  • June 16, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: Members of the Jessop family, a polygamous family and members of the FLDS in Colorado City, AZ, weed the community corn field. The family grows about 30 percent of the food they consume and buy the rest at the town mercantile store. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. Photo by Jack Kurtz By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy021.jpg
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  • Aug 9, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: Jessop children play in the backyard of their home in Colorado City, AZ. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. A member of the Jessop family weeds the community corn plot in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy064.jpg
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  • 09 AUGUST 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. A member of the Jessop family weeds the community corn plot in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy074.jpg
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  • June 16, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: A member of the Jessop family jumps over the fence around their horse corral in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. Photo by Jack Kurtz By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy039.jpg
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  • 10 AUGUST 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: The Jessops are polygamists and members of the FLDS. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy096.jpg
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  • Aug 10, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY: A member of the Jessop family naps on a couch in the living room of their home in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are polygamists and members of the FLDS. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy108.jpg
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  • Aug 10, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY: Members of the Jessop family at Sunday dinner in their home in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are polygamists and members of the FLDS. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy106.jpg
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  • June 16, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: A member of the Jessop family rides her horse on a street in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. Photo by Jack Kurtz By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy042.jpg
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  • 09 AUGUST 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. A member of the Jessop family weeds the community corn plot in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy054.jpg
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  • Aug 10, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY: Members of the Jessop family have a prayer service in the living room of their home in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are polygamists and members of the FLDS. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy114.jpg
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  • Sept 8, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: A woman in the Jessop family, polygamist members of the FLDS, grooms some of the children who live in their home in Colorado City, AZ. Colorado City and the neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned what they call "Celestial Marriage" (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy144.jpg
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  • 10 AUGUST 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: The Jessops are polygamists and members of the FLDS. Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy124.jpg
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  • 08 SEPTEMBER 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: Colorado City and the neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned what they call "Celestial Marriage" (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy140.jpg
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  • Sept 8, 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: Children in the Jessop family are home schooled by adults in the house. The Jessops are polygamist members of the FLDS. Members of the FLDS pulled their children from the public schools several years ago, now most of the families in town home school their children. The Jessops have almost 40 youngsters, in grades kindergarten through 8th grade, in their home school. Colorado City and the neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned what they call "Celestial Marriage" (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy182.jpg
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  • 09 AUGUST 2008 -- COLORADO CITY, AZ: Colorado City and neighboring town of Hildale, UT, are home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) which split from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) after the Mormons banned plural marriage (polygamy) in 1890 so that Utah could gain statehood into the United States. The FLDS Prophet (leader), Warren Jeffs, has been convicted in Utah of "rape as an accomplice" for arranging the marriage of teenage girl to her cousin and is currently on trial for similar, those less serious, charges in Arizona. After Texas child protection authorities raided the Yearning for Zion Ranch, (the FLDS compound in Eldorado, TX) many members of the FLDS community in Colorado City/Hildale fear either Arizona or Utah authorities could raid their homes in the same way. Older members of the community still remember the Short Creek Raid of 1953 when Arizona authorities using National Guard troops, raided the community, arresting the men and placing women and children in "protective" custody. After two years in foster care, the women and children returned to their homes. After the raid, the FLDS Church eliminated any connection to the "Short Creek raid" by renaming their town Colorado City in Arizona and Hildale in Utah. A member of the Jessop family weeds the community corn plot in Colorado City, AZ. The Jessops are a polygamous family and members of the FLDS. PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ By photographer Jack Kurtz
    Polygamy048.jpg
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