Former FLDS Member Recalls Community Life Before Warren Jeffs’ Control

Former members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) recall a time when the community in Colorado City, Ariz., was marked by a sense of belonging and faith. Before the influence of Warren Jeffs, the sect’s leader, children were part of a close-knit environment where family ties were strong and religious teachings were central to daily life. This changed in the early 1990s when Jeffs introduced new directives that altered the way family relationships were perceived within the community.

One such directive was the renaming of parents as “Mother” and “Father,” a move that aimed to elevate the status of religious leaders while distancing families from their immediate kin. For some, like Nolan Barlow, a middle-schooler at the time, this shift seemed to align with scriptural teachings about respecting authority. However, the changes soon extended beyond familial roles, leading to a series of excommunications and reassignments that disrupted the lives of many members.

Jeffs’ leadership style, which included the use of children to enforce his authority, became a significant factor in maintaining control over the community. Former members describe how children were often used to monitor and report on their parents, reinforcing Jeffs’ power. This approach, some say, mirrored tactics used by historical figures like Hitler and Stalin, who also manipulated youth to maintain control.

The community’s isolation and the strict adherence to Jeffs’ teachings created an environment where dissent was not tolerated. Members who questioned the leadership faced severe consequences, including being banished from the community. This control extended to personal lives, with Jeffs taking multiple wives, some of whom were underage, further entrenching his authority.

In recent years, the legal actions against the FLDS have brought attention to the community’s past. A federal court verdict found the FLDS had harassed nonbelievers in the areas of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona. Former members have shared their experiences, highlighting the profound impact of Jeffs’ leadership on their lives and the lives of others.

The story of the FLDS serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that all individuals, especially children, are treated with dignity and respect. The community’s history underscores the need for accountability and the pursuit of justice, reflecting the biblical call to act with mercy and humility.

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