The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has a rich and varied history, punctuated by significant events that have shaped its character and doctrines. Among these, one standout occurrence that has greatly influenced its contemporary practices is the formal renouncement of polygamy on September 24, 1890. This pivotal turning point, which was initiated by the church’s fourth President, Wilford Woodruff, marked a significant transition in the church’s beliefs and continues to have profound implications on its identity.

The practice of polygamy, also known as plural marriage, had been a distinctive part of the LDS Church’s teachings since its early days in the mid-19th century. However, it was always a highly controversial practice both within and outside the church community, attracting a great deal of scrutiny, criticism, and sometimes violent opposition. The shift from this polygamous practice can be seen as a watershed moment in Mormon history, akin to an about-face on a deeply entrenched doctrine.

In the period leading up to the declaration in 1890, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had been under enormous pressure from the U.S. government to put an end to its practice of polygamy. This was a contentious issue underpinning the government’s refusal to grant Utah statehood, given that a large proportion of its residents were members of the LDS Church. The Manifesto, as referred to by the LDS Church, was issued by President Wilford Woodruff and was a direct response to this external pressure, resulting in an official discontinuance of the sanction for any type of plural marriage within the church.

It’s relevant to highlight that the LDS Church’s renouncement of polygamy was not an abrupt decision, but a response to the intense external pressure. The process underwent several stages, culminating in the formal declaration known as the Manifesto, or the “Woodruff Manifesto”, named after the church’s fourth President who published the declaration on September 24, 1890.

After the release of the Woodruff Manifesto, members of the LDS Church faced a significant paradigm shift. The change stirred a range of responses, with some accepting willingly, others meeting the change with resistance, and some even splintering off to form various fundamentalist offshoots that continued the practice of polygamy.

Today, the LDS Church maintains its stance against polygamy and has implemented strong measures against it. Individuals found practicing polygamy are subjected to church discipline, which can include excommunication. The LDS Church’s separation from polygamy has also played a significant role in discussions around its identity, beliefs, and interaction with wider society.

The renouncement of polygamy by the LDS Church on September 24, 1890, is a seminal event in its history. It speaks to the church’s capacity for change under pressure and the evolution of its doctrines in response to external influences. It showcases the flexibility inherent in a faith that has always been as resilient as it is complex.

However, while the LDS Church’s discontinuation of polygamy is well-documented and ingrained within its modern doctrine, it should be clarified that certain misconceptions can still persist. Clarity is important in understanding that the LDS Church no longer practices or endorses polygamy, and that its official position turned against the practice more than a century ago.

This historic shift, taken by the LDS Church in 1890, is more than just the renouncement of a controversial practice. It represents a defining point within a rich tapestry of religious history. While the church’s past with polygamy is a complex and sometimes contentious topic, the LDS Church’s official stand against plural marriage is now well-established and forms part of the church’s interesting evolution, highlighting its capacity to both initiate and manage change.