Interview with Briell Decker Blanchart, Part 1

Exploring the Roots and Beliefs of the FLDS Movement

To understand the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), it’s essential to first grasp the origins of the Latter-Day Saint (LDS) movement. Founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century, Mormonism has since splintered into numerous denominations, each with its interpretations of Smith’s teachings. The largest of these is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, which boasts around 16 million members and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Another significant group is the Community of Christ, previously known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which has about a quarter million members.

Among the many offshoots of the LDS movement, the FLDS is particularly notable for its adherence to the practice of