Apostolic United BrethrenEdit
The Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) is a Mormon fundamentalist church in the United States that stems from the broader Latter-day Saint movement. Like other fundamentalist groups, it diverged from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the church formally renounced the practice of plural marriage in the late 19th century. The AUB emphasizes traditional family life, close-knit communities, and a distinctive interpretation of scripture that combines elements of the Bible and the Book of Mormon with ongoing revelation for its leaders and members. The group maintains a strong sense of autonomy from secular institutions and operates within a network of communities that are often geographically concentrated in the Intermountain West.
The AUB presents itself as a faith centered on covenant, priesthood authority, and the divine right of its leaders to guide families and congregations. Its members typically participate in regular worship and family-oriented religious observances, and they expect obedience to the Brethren, a term used for the church’s senior leadership. In contrast to the mainstream church, the AUB has fostered a culture that prizes self-reliance, modest living, and a cautious stance toward modern popular culture. These features help explain why the AUB maintains distinct social networks, education choices, and economic practices within its communities, including in areas where the church has historical roots.
History
Origins and development within the Latter-day Saint tradition were shaped by a desire among some adherents to preserve practices deemed essential by early church leaders. The AUB grew out of a broader defecting movement that continued to advocate polygamous marriages and other teachings that were discouraged or prohibited by the mainstream church after the 1890 Manifesto. As a result, the AUB and related groups established independent congregations with their own leadership structures and community arrangements. The “Apostolic” designation signals the perceived continuity of apostolic authority and revelation, while the term “Brethren” underscores the hierarchical nature of church governance.
In the mid- to late 20th century, communities associated with the AUB formed tight-knit colonies in and around the Colorado City–Hildale area on the Utah–Arizona border. This region became emblematic of the broader fundamentalist Mormon movement, drawing attention from state authorities and the national media as polygamy and related social practices came under scrutiny. Legal and political debates over religious liberty, family autonomy, and child welfare intersected with the AUB’s way of life, contributing to a long-running dialogue about the balance between faith-based practice and state interests. Over time, the AUB, like other fundamentalist groups, faced raids, court actions, and policy discussions aimed at safeguarding safety and welfare while respecting religious exercise.
Beliefs and practices
Theology and scripture: The AUB affirms core Latter-day Saint beliefs—belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the Book of Mormon as scripture, and ongoing revelation through church leaders. The movement emphasizes adherence to covenant faith, prophetic leadership, and the view that the Brethren can provide divine guidance for daily life and family decisions. See Latter Day Saint movement and Book of Mormon for related context.
Authority and governance: Church life centers on priesthood authority exercised by a relatively small professional leadership group and local bishops. Members are expected to follow doctrinal guidance as interpreted by the Brethren, especially on matters of marriage, family, and conduct. See priesthood and church governance for related topics.
Family and marriage: The AUB is best known for its historical support of plural marriage, a practice that set it apart from the mainstream church after the 1890 Manifesto. In contemporary practice, the extent and visibility of polygamous arrangements vary by community and family, but the institution remains a central feature of the group’s social structure for many adherents. The concept of eternal family bonds remains a guiding ideal in which life together extends beyond this world. See polygamy and eternal marriage for related ideas.
Moral code and education: Members generally observe conservative moral standards, modest dress, and abstention from substances deemed harmful by church teaching. Education often emphasizes religious instruction, family priorities, and practical skills, with considerable reliance on community-based schooling and family-supported learning environments. See Word of Wisdom and education in religion for connected topics.
Community life: The AUB emphasizes self-sufficiency, family responsibility, and mutual aid within its communities. Economic activity tends to be organized around family networks and small businesses that support the local economy and reduce dependence on external institutions. See religious community and self-reliance for broader concepts.
Geography and demographics
The most prominent center of AUB life is the Colorado City–Hildale region, a pair of neighboring towns on the Utah–Arizona border that have historically housed a large portion of the church’s adherents. Additional colonies and families associated with the AUB are located in other parts of the western United States, particularly in states where observant, property-owning communities can maintain a degree of separation from surrounding secular society. The group’s population is relatively small compared with the mainstream church and other religious bodies, but it maintains a recognizable footprint through its settlements, schools, and enterprise networks.
Controversies and debates
Polygamy and women's rights: Critics argue that the practice can create power imbalances within families and limit the autonomy of women and young people. Proponents contend that it is a voluntary religious practice governed by consent and faith, part of a broader covenantal life that the group is entitled to pursue without interference. The debate often centers on questions of consent, age of participants, and the role of state interest in safeguarding welfare, especially for minors. The tension between religious liberty and child welfare has been reinforced by historical state actions such as large-scale investigations and raids in the mid-20th century, which brought increased public scrutiny to polygamous communities. See religious freedom and child welfare for related discussions.
Separation from secular society: Critics also point to social isolation, schooling choices, and the maintenance of internal social norms as potential barriers to integration with the wider society. Advocates argue that there is value in preserving time-tested family structures, cultural cohesion, and the freedom to raise children within a faith-based framework. Debates over cultural compatibility versus assimilation recur in discussions about the place of religious minorities in a pluralistic society.
Legal and political context: The AUB operates within a legal landscape that protects religious exercise but prohibits certain practices regarded as criminal, such as coercive control or exploitation. Legal scholars and policymakers analyze how best to balance respect for religious autonomy with safeguarding individuals from harm, particularly in cases involving minors or vulnerable family members. See freedom of religion and child protection for connected topics.
Media representation and public discourse: Voices from the broader public often portray fundamentalist groups through a lens of sensationalism or stereotype. A common counterpoint from proponents emphasizes that many adherents are disciplined, law-abiding, and committed to family and charitable works within their communities. Debates over how to fairly cover such groups and avoid caricature are ongoing in public discourse. See media representation for context.