Former Sister Wives Cast Members Share Diverging Religious Beliefs and Excommunication Claims from Apostolic United Brethren

The Brown family, once united in their religious beliefs, now finds itself divided in matters of faith. Before the series “Sister Wives” brought their story to the public, the family adhered to the teachings of the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), a Mormon fundamentalist group known as “The Principle.” This group, distinct from the mainstream Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), practiced plural marriage and maintained a strict religious code. The Browns, including Kody, his ex-wives, and his current wife Robyn, were members of this community, raising their children within its framework.

As the family’s public exposure grew through the reality show, so did their internal struggles with the religion they had long followed. Later episodes revealed tensions within the family, with members questioning whether they would continue to uphold the doctrines of AUB. Kody’s multiple divorces and eventual monogamous union with Robyn marked a significant shift in both personal and spiritual life. Fans and critics alike have wondered whether the family’s public stance on polygamy also led to a departure from the faith they once shared.

The AUB, while sharing some roots with the LDS Church, diverges in key practices, particularly its support for plural marriage. The Browns, however, claimed they were excommunicated from the church after openly advocating for polygamy on the show. This excommunication, they said, led to their departure from the polygamist community in Utah. Yet, a source connected to the family told reality TV blogger Without A Crystal Ball that the excommunication was not official. Instead, the family stated they were disconnecting the church from the show, rather than being formally removed.

Meri and Janelle, two of Kody’s ex-wives, have expressed a desire to continue following the faith and may enter new polygamous marriages. Robyn, Kody’s current wife, has stated her intention to remain devoted to the religion she grew up in. However, Kody and Christine, who remarried in 2023, have distanced themselves from AUB. Christine has explicitly stated she will not re-enter a polygamous lifestyle or return to the church. Kody, too, has expressed a desire to withdraw from the faith, as revealed in a December 2024 episode.

The family’s journey reflects the complex interplay between personal belief, public exposure, and institutional ties. Their story, while deeply personal, also highlights the challenges faced by those who live within religious communities that are both secretive and controversial. The Browns’ experiences underscore the tension between faith and freedom, a theme echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for walking humbly with God and doing justice. Their path serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for compassion in navigating the complexities of religious life.

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