Making friends in the FLDS Church

Uncovering Social Barriers: Making Friends in the FLDS Church

In tightly-knit communities like the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), the simple act of making friends takes on a uniquely complex dimension. The restrictions placed on social interactions, particularly with those outside the faith, provide a window into the broader social control mechanisms within the FLDS. This piece not only sheds light on the internal social dynamics of the FLDS, but also raises questions about the impact of these practices on individual agency and community cohesion.

History and Social Structure of the FLDS Church

The FLDS Church, a sect that broke away from mainstream Mormonism due to its commitment to polygamy, has long been noted for its insularity. Historically rooted in the American Southwest, FLDS communities have developed a culture that strongly emphasizes obedience to leadership and separation from "Gentile" or non-FLDS influences. A fundamental tenet of this culture is the restriction on forming friendships outside the sect's confines. These rules can even extend to forbidding friendships between children from different FLDS families, as noted by accounts on the Mormon Stories Podcast.

The evolution of this social structure can be traced to concerns about preservation and control. By isolating community members from external influences, the church leadership aims to maintain doctrinal purity and cement their authority. But as we consider the mental and emotional impact on individuals, particularly the youngest community members, the costs of such isolation become apparent.

Evidence of Strict Social Boundaries in the FLDS