Church History Matters 180 - Official Declaration 1 CFM - The Official Response To Polygamy In The Church - E50 December 8-14
12 snips
Dec 2, 2025 Scott and Casey dive deep into Official Declaration 1, tracing the history of plural marriage from its roots to the 1890 Manifesto that officially ended the practice. They explore legal pressures, Supreme Court decisions, and the role of women in advocating for change. The discussion highlights the complexities of church leadership decisions, the tension between revelations, and the impact on members. Listeners also learn how modern church policies reflect a commitment to monogamy, while addressing historical controversies with nuance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Declarations Recognize Prior Revelations
- Official Declarations recognize revelations rather than being new revelations themselves.
- Official Declaration 1 acknowledged revelation ending plural marriage and Official Declaration 2 addressed priesthood/temple race policies.
From Nauvoo Secret To National Crisis
- Plural marriage began privately with Joseph Smith in Nauvoo and became public by 1852.
- By the 1850s it caused massive controversy across the United States and shaped national politics.
Law, Courts, And Increasing Pressure
- Federal legislation from the 1860s to 1880s progressively targeted polygamy and curtailed church rights.
- The Supreme Court upheld these laws, closing legal avenues and pressuring church leadership toward change.
