Throughout history, the idea of polygamy marriage involving more than one spouse has appeared in various cultures, religions, and social structures. While most modern societies practice monogamy, there are still several groups around the world that continue to embrace polygamous relationships as part of their faith or tradition. A list of polygamist groups can include religious sects, cultural communities, and independent movements that maintain this lifestyle despite changing social norms. Understanding these groups provides insight into how polygamy persists and evolves in the modern era.
Understanding Polygamist Groups
Polygamist groups are communities or religious movements that uphold the belief that having multiple spouses usually one man with several wives is spiritually or culturally acceptable. In many cases, these beliefs are based on historical or religious texts interpreted to support plural marriage. Some groups are open about their practices, while others remain private or secretive due to legal restrictions in countries where polygamy is illegal.
Although polygamy exists in different parts of the world, much of the attention in the media has focused on groups based in North America, particularly those with historical ties to early Mormonism. However, the practice is also found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where cultural traditions continue to support plural unions.
Major Polygamist Groups in North America
In the United States and Canada, several religious sects practice polygamy, often linking their beliefs to early teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). While the mainstream LDS Church officially renounced polygamy in 1890, breakaway sects continued the tradition, forming independent communities. Below is a list of some of the most well-known polygamist groups in North America.
Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)
The FLDS is one of the most famous modern polygamist groups. It broke away from the mainstream LDS Church after the official ban on plural marriage. The FLDS believes that polygamy is essential for reaching the highest level of salvation. The group was historically led by figures such as Rulon Jeffs and his son Warren Jeffs, who gained notoriety for his controversial leadership and legal troubles. The FLDS community is known for its closed social structure, traditional dress, and strict adherence to religious law.
Apostolic United Brethren (AUB)
The Apostolic United Brethren, often considered one of the more moderate polygamist groups, also traces its roots to early Mormonism. Unlike the FLDS, the AUB allows its members to live among mainstream society and does not isolate itself in closed communities. The group maintains that plural marriage is a divine principle but emphasizes consent and individual choice. The AUB has been featured in various documentaries and media programs highlighting polygamous families living openly in the United States.
Centennial Park Group
The Centennial Park Group, sometimes called the Second Ward, was formed in the 1980s by members who split from the FLDS Church. They disagreed with the direction of FLDS leadership and sought a more cooperative and less authoritarian community. The group is based in Centennial Park, Arizona, and promotes education, family unity, and religious devotion while continuing the practice of plural marriage. Compared to the FLDS, they are known to be more open and socially integrated.
Church of Jesus Christ (Original Doctrine) Inc.
This group was formed by former FLDS members who rejected Warren Jeffs’s leadership. They claim to follow the original teachings of early Mormon leaders regarding plural marriage but without the extreme control or isolation. The group operates in regions like Colorado City and Hildale, maintaining a smaller but steady membership. Their goal is to live a peaceful and lawful life while adhering to their interpretation of religious principles.
Kingston Clan (Latter Day Church of Christ)
The Kingston Clan, also known as the Latter Day Church of Christ, is a secretive polygamist group based in Utah. Founded in the 1930s, it is a family-based organization that practices endogamy marriage within the group to preserve religious and economic unity. Members believe that plural marriage brings them closer to spiritual perfection. The group has been the subject of media attention and government investigations due to its closed structure and financial practices.
Other Polygamist Communities Around the World
While North America’s polygamist groups often gain the most attention, plural marriage remains a part of life in many parts of the world. In Africa, the Middle East, and certain regions of Asia, polygamy is often accepted culturally or permitted legally under religious laws. The following are examples of global communities that practice or permit polygamy.
Islamic Polygamist Families
In Islam, men are permitted to marry up to four wives, provided they can treat them equally and support them financially. This practice is common in parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. While not organized into specific groups like the American sects, polygamous marriages are a legal and accepted part of society in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Indonesia. These relationships are often governed by religious and cultural traditions rather than centralized organizations.
Traditional African Polygamy
In many African societies, polygamy is a traditional practice that predates colonial influence. It is often viewed as a sign of wealth and status, with large families considered beneficial for agricultural and economic reasons. Countries such as Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana recognize polygamous marriages either legally or culturally. While the motivations for polygamy in these regions are often practical rather than religious, the practice continues to hold deep cultural meaning.
Independent Polygamist Movements
Outside of major religious groups, there are also independent movements and families who choose to live polygamously as a personal or philosophical choice. Some of these communities advocate for the legalization of consensual plural marriage, arguing that adults should have the freedom to structure their relationships as they wish. These groups often use social media and online platforms to connect with like-minded individuals, forming small, informal communities rather than organized religious sects.
Controversy and Legal Status
Polygamy remains a controversial topic around the world. In most Western countries, including the United States and Canada, plural marriage is illegal. However, enforcement is often limited, and many polygamist families live quietly without interference. Supporters of polygamy argue that it is a personal and religious right, while critics raise concerns about potential abuses, gender inequality, and exploitation.
Some modern polygamist groups seek to redefine their image, emphasizing consent, equality, and family unity. They argue that their form of polygamy is based on love and faith rather than coercion. Others continue to face public scrutiny due to past cases of underage marriage or strict control within certain sects.
Social and Cultural Impact
Despite the controversy, polygamist groups have influenced debates about family, freedom, and religion. Media portrayals through television series, documentaries, and books have brought these communities into the public eye, creating both fascination and misunderstanding. Shows that feature polygamous families have helped humanize the practice for some viewers, while others view it as a violation of modern social norms.
Within their communities, polygamy often serves as a way to strengthen family bonds, ensure spiritual growth, and create networks of mutual support. However, it can also lead to challenges such as jealousy, financial strain, and social isolation, especially in areas where polygamy is not legally recognized.
The list of polygamist groups around the world reflects a complex intersection of faith, tradition, and personal belief. From the secluded FLDS communities in North America to traditional families in Africa and the Middle East, polygamy continues to be practiced by diverse groups for a variety of reasons. While often controversial, it remains an enduring aspect of human society that reveals much about culture, religion, and the ways people define family. Whether accepted or opposed, polygamy continues to challenge modern ideas about marriage, freedom, and morality making it a subject of ongoing discussion and fascination.