Reports Differ on Sister Wives’ Browns and Their Ties to FLDS and Apostolic United Brethren

The Netflix docuseries *Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey* has renewed public attention to Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Jeffs, who led the FLDS for many years, is serving a life sentence for sexual assault. The FLDS is known for strict adherence to polygamy and other traditional practices.

The Browns, who are featured on *Sister Wives*, have practiced polygamy for religious reasons. The family has been associated with the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), a Mormon fundamentalist church that supports plural marriage. One report says the AUB has more than 7,000 members across Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, Montana and Mexico.

The AUB has publicly denied any ties to the FLDS. It issued a statement in 2008 to distance itself from the FLDS. One report notes that Christine Brown’s grandfather, Rulon Allred, was once considered a potential successor to a former FLDS prophet, and that his rejection led to the formation of the AUB.

In later seasons, the Browns said they had been excommunicated from the AUB for broadcasting their lives on reality television. The reports differ on this point. After the family moved away from the polygamist community in Utah, they continued to hold Sunday services at home. An insider’s Instagram post, however, claimed the Browns had not been officially excommunicated and were still active church members. Hearing both accounts before settling a disputed question of fact reflects truth and fairness (Proverbs 18:17).

Christine Brown has stepped away from her spiritual marriage and no longer attends church, according to her own statements. Meri Brown’s mother, Bonnie Ahlstrom, was listed as a registered agent for the AUB until her death in 2021. Ahlstrom appeared on the show even after the supposed excommunication.

The AUB has faced legal challenges and public criticism for its teachings and practices.