Former FLDS Leader Warren Jeffs Reportedly Tried to Renounce Prophet Status; Wendell Nielsen Seen as Possible Successor

Leadership in the Warren Jeffs polygamy group appears to be changing, and a power struggle may already be underway. Jeffs apparently lost faith in his own role as prophet, and that development could bring further upheaval to the far-flung FLDS Church. A disclosure that Jeffs had apparently tried in court to renounce his status as a prophet was welcomed by some people, but it is likely to be disturbing and disorienting to his faithful followers.

Because members are forbidden to speak with outsiders, the account relies on second-hand sources. Those sources indicate that Jeffs’ probable successor has been auditioning for the role for several months. A resident of Hildale said, “There are dogs on the street,” a change that observers read as a sign the atmosphere is shifting. Jeffs had forbidden dogs. His right-hand man, Wendell Nielsen, appears to be easing some of the fallen prophet’s strictest rules.

Former members believe Nielsen has been secretly running the FLDS group for months, during what appears to be a psychological decline by Jeffs in jail. Nielsen owned the Western Precision Manufacturing Company, which was a financial mainstay for the Jeffs group. The company’s building was recently auctioned. Nielsen disappeared from public view at about the same time Jeffs did, more than two years ago.

Former member Richard Holm said, “I think Wendell Nielsen is the behind-the-scenes Wizard of Oz, pulling the strings.” Nielsen is believed to be living in Las Vegas, where his former company operates under a new name and continues to move money. An unverified report says Nielsen returned to town last weekend and held a meeting in suit and tie inside a warehouse, surrounded by a fleet of vehicles. Because the report has not been confirmed, it should be weighed with care, a matter of truth and fairness (Proverbs 18:17).

Nielsen is reportedly canceling some of Jeffs’ harshest edicts, possibly to win favor as he consolidates power. Observers describe a change of tone in town, with less tension and a friendlier atmosphere on the street. Nielsen has several possible rivals, including high-ranking church member Merrill Jessop. Another potential leader is David Allred, who spearheaded real estate deals for Jeffs in Texas and other states. Former FLDS member Isaac Wyler said, “Wendell Nielsen holds the money string. David Allred has the keys to the houses.”

Former members say some followers are likely to lose their faith if they come to believe Jeffs is losing his, while others may draw more tightly around a new leader, whoever that turns out to be. The polygamy movement has a long history of splitting into factions over doctrine and leadership, a pattern particularly familiar in the FLDS subculture. Sources believe Nielsen’s photo is being displayed in homes alongside Jeffs’, and that Nielsen is telling people he speaks for Jeffs, since his legitimacy comes through Jeffs. Others may be told that Jeffs has become sick in jail and can no longer lead.

The situation bears a resemblance to how Jeffs himself took power. His father, Rulon, was the prophet until a stroke left him incapacitated. For a time, Warren claimed to speak for Rulon, but many understood that Warren was actually running things. Major divisions began to open in the group during that period, and after Rulon died, some people never accepted Jeffs as the legitimate leader.

It is not clear whether followers even know that Jeffs no longer claims to be a prophet, since they are not supposed to read newspapers or watch television. News reaches them slowly, and they do not believe much of what they hear. Sources say it took months for his followers to accept that he was in jail. One person interviewed said he saw a faithful member reading a newspaper intently that day.

Source: Read the original report