The Story 'I feared the cult would kidnap my children' - the Sunday Story
Jul 26, 2025
Megan Agnew, a senior features writer based in the US, shares Elizabeth Roundy's gripping story of escaping a polygamous church notorious for abuse. Elizabeth recounts the harrowing moment her children went missing after they fled the cult. She details her emotional struggle to reclaim her family while battling the psychological effects of her upbringing. The discussion dives into the challenges of reconnecting with her children amid a protective community, shedding light on the complexities of her search and the trauma of separation.
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Mom Faces Nightmare of Missing Kids
- Elizabeth Roundy once left her children at a rural internet cafe briefly, only to find them missing when she returned.
- This terrifying moment revealed the extent of fear she had of losing her children to the church.
Absolute Control Via Faith and Fear
- Warren Jeffs exercised absolute control over his cult, dictating marriage, appearance, and access to information.
- Members obeyed extreme rules out of fear of eternal damnation and the promise of celestial afterlife.
Life in a Polygamous Family Unit
- Elizabeth had to live with her husband's first wife and their children, forming a large polygamous family.
- Their lives became increasingly restricted as cult leader Warren Jeffs imposed harsher controls.
