FLDS Church Demands Total Property Surrender in 2011 “Dishrag Revelation”

In 2011, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) issued what some members later referred to as the “Dishrag Revelation.” Church leaders instructed followers to surrender all their possessions — including the smallest items like dishrags — to the church. These assets would then be redistributed according to the judgment of the church authorities. Some members, like Sheldon Black, found the directive bewildering. “This is not real,” he recalled thinking. “This is a bad dream.” The situation grew more troubling in 2012 when Black was summoned to a meeting with church leaders in Hildale, Utah. After waiting outside for 30 minutes, he was told by Prophet Warren Jeffs that he and his second wife, Cindy, had suffered an “abortive miscarriage.” Black knew this was untrue, yet he was expected to accept the claim as divine truth. He complied, as he had always done, offering submission and acceptance in exchange for continued membership.

The FLDS practice of transferring custody of children to the church has been documented in multiple court cases and confirmed by former members and their legal representatives. Parents are told that both women and children “belong” to the religious organization, with husbands holding authority over their wives and the church overseeing family matters. While parents are responsible for caring for their families, the prophet holds the final say in reassigning family members, such as swapping wives or relocating children. This system has led to the separation of many families, with excommunicated members often barred from contact with their loved ones.

The FLDS leadership, including Warren Jeffs, has faced numerous legal challenges over the years. These include allegations of child abuse, forced marriages, and the illegal detention of minors. In some cases, the church has been accused of using its influence to manipulate legal systems, ensuring that custody of children remains in its hands. Former members have described a culture of fear and obedience, where dissent is met with excommunication and social ostracization. The community has been shaped by strict adherence to doctrine, with leaders claiming divine authority to make decisions that affect the lives of their followers.

The FLDS has also been involved in various charitable and community efforts, including providing food, shelter, and education to members and others in need. However, these activities have often been conducted under the guise of religious obligation, with the church asserting control over all aspects of life. The organization has faced criticism for its handling of legal matters, particularly regarding the rights of children and the autonomy of families. Some members have spoken of a lack of transparency and accountability within the church’s leadership.

The FLDS’s approach to family and authority has drawn comparisons to historical religious movements that emphasized communal living and strict hierarchical structures. The church’s practices have been scrutinized by legal and human rights organizations, which have raised concerns about the well-being of its members. Despite these criticisms, the FLDS continues to assert its teachings as divinely ordained, with leaders maintaining that their authority comes directly from God. The organization’s influence extends beyond its immediate community, affecting the broader religious landscape and prompting ongoing legal and ethical debates.

The FLDS’s history of legal battles and internal conflicts reflects the complex dynamics within religious communities that prioritize doctrinal purity over individual rights. The church’s emphasis on obedience and submission has led to the marginalization of those who challenge its authority. While some members have found solace in the church’s teachings, others have suffered the consequences of its rigid structure. The organization’s practices continue to be a subject of public and legal scrutiny, with advocates calling for greater protection of vulnerable individuals and families. The story of the FLDS serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights of the vulnerable, as stated in Proverbs 31:8-9.

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