Editing: Apostolic United Brethren

# Apostolic United Brethren

The **Apostolic United Brethren** (AUB) is a fundamentalist Mormon sect that practices polygamy and claims to follow the original teachings of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of Mormonism. Established in the 1950s, the AUB represents one of the largest polygamist groups to emerge after the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued plural marriage in 1890. The group maintains that polygamy is essential for achieving the highest degree of salvation and continues practices that the LDS Church abandoned over a century ago.

The AUB operates primarily in the western United States, with communities in Utah, Montana, and Mexico. Unlike some other fundamentalist Mormon groups, the AUB has generally maintained a lower public profile while adhering to what they consider the "true" principles of Mormonism as originally revealed to Joseph Smith.

## Origins and History

The Apostolic United Brethren traces its roots to the **Mormon fundamentalist movement** that emerged in response to the LDS Church's abandonment of polygamy. When the LDS Church issued the 1890 Manifesto officially ending plural marriage under pressure from the U.S. government, some members believed the church was abandoning divine commandments.

The immediate predecessor to the AUB was a group led by **Lorin C. Woolley**, who claimed to have received authority from LDS Church President John Taylor in 1886 to continue performing plural marriages. Woolley's group, known as the **Priesthood Council** or **Council of Friends**, operated secretly for decades.

The AUB formally organized in the 1950s under the leadership of **Rulon C. Allred**, a naturopathic physician who had been part of Woolley's group. Allred established the group's headquarters in Salt Lake City and later in Bluffdale, Utah. Under his leadership, the AUB grew to several thousand members and established communities beyond Utah.

The group faced a significant crisis in 1977 when Rulon Allred was murdered by members of a rival polygamist group led by Ervil LeBaron. Following Allred's death, his brother **Owen Allred** assumed leadership and guided the group for over three decades until his death in 2005.

## Beliefs and Practices

The AUB adheres to fundamental Mormon doctrines while maintaining practices that the mainstream LDS Church has abandoned. **Plural marriage** remains central to their theology, viewed as necessary for achieving the highest degree of celestial glory. The group teaches that polygamy was revealed by God through Joseph Smith and should never have been discontinued.

The AUB follows the **United Order**, a form of religious communalism where members are expected to consecrate their property and income to the group. This economic system aims to eliminate poverty and create equality among believers, though implementation varies among different AUB communities.

The group maintains a **Priesthood Council** that governs religious and temporal affairs. This council, typically consisting of seven to twelve men, makes decisions about doctrine, community matters, and the approval of plural marriages. The AUB teaches that this priesthood authority traces back through Lorin Woolley to the original Mormon apostles.

**Patriarchal blessings** and **temple ordinances** play important roles in AUB worship, though they perform these ceremonies in their own facilities rather than LDS temples. The group has constructed several meeting houses and maintains sacred spaces for religious ceremonies.

## Organization and Communities

The AUB operates through a hierarchical structure headed by the Priesthood Council. Local communities are led by bishops and other priesthood holders who oversee both spiritual and temporal affairs. The group emphasizes **theocratic governance**, where religious leaders make decisions affecting all aspects of community life.

Major AUB communities include settlements in **Bluffdale, Utah** (the headquarters), **Pinesdale, Montana**, and **Colonia LeBaron, Mexico**. These communities often feature large family compounds designed to accommodate polygamous households, along with shared facilities like schools, meeting houses, and agricultural operations.

The group operates its own educational system, including elementary schools and high schools that incorporate religious instruction alongside standard academic subjects. Many AUB members also pursue higher education at mainstream universities while maintaining their religious commitments.

**Economic cooperation** characterizes many AUB communities, with members often working in family businesses or group enterprises. Common occupations include construction, agriculture, and various trades, though members also work in professional fields outside the community.

## Legal and Social Challenges

The AUB has faced ongoing legal challenges due to polygamy's illegal status in the United States. While prosecution of polygamists has become less common since the mid-20th century, the practice remains a felony in most states. The group has generally adopted a strategy of maintaining a low profile to avoid legal scrutiny.

**Child welfare concerns** have occasionally brought AUB communities under government investigation. Critics argue that polygamous societies can create environments where underage marriage and educational neglect occur, though the AUB leadership has generally cooperated with authorities and implemented policies to address these concerns.

The group has also faced internal challenges, including **leadership disputes** and **doctrinal disagreements** that have led to splinter groups. The transition of leadership following Owen Allred's death in 2005 created some instability, though the organization has maintained its basic structure and beliefs.

**Media attention** has periodically focused on the AUB, particularly through television shows and documentaries about polygamy. While this exposure has sometimes led to increased scrutiny, it has also provided opportunities for the group to present its perspective to the public.

## Current Status

Today, the AUB is estimated to have between 7,000 and 10,000 members, making it one of the largest fundamentalist Mormon groups. The organization continues to grow through high birth rates and occasional conversions, though exact membership numbers are difficult to verify due to the group's private nature.

The current leadership, following Owen Allred's death, has worked to modernize certain aspects of the organization while maintaining core doctrines. This includes improved educational opportunities for children and greater integration with surrounding communities where possible.

The AUB has also adapted to changing social conditions, including the rise of social media and increased government oversight of religious communities. While maintaining their commitment to plural marriage and other distinctive practices, they have generally sought to avoid the isolation and authoritarianism that has characterized some other fundamentalist groups.

## Related Topics

- Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)
- Mormon fundamentalism
- Polygamy in the United States
- Joseph Smith Jr.
- 1890 Manifesto
- Rulon C. Allred
- Mormon theology
- Religious communalism

## Summary

The Apostolic United Brethren is a fundamentalist Mormon sect founded in the 1950s that continues to practice polygamy and other early Mormon doctrines that the mainstream LDS Church abandoned, operating primarily in Utah, Montana, and Mexico with an estimated 7,000-10,000 members.

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