TLC's Sister Wives has caught viewers' attention for its behind-the-scenes look at polygamy, and it's time to talk about how the other sects relate to the Brown family. Kody Brown is a proud polygamist who entered the series with a positive attitude. His goal was to show that plural marriage worked, but fans haven't always been convinced.
Even though polygamy is outlawed in every state, over 50,000 people still participate in plural marriages. When fans were first introduced to the Sister Wives cast, their main goal was to show that such unions have value and meaning. For a few years, the Browns seemed to work in conjunction with one another. Christine Brown raised the children, and Meri and Janelle Brown went to work. However, over time, the instability of the marital practice began to show, leaving followers with more questions than answers.
Learn About The Brown Family's Sect
In the United States, there are three different polygamous groups, which can all be traced back to the very same origin. However, somewhere along the line, the groups (sects) took a drastic turn. Kody, Meri, Janelle, Christine, and Robyn Brown all are from the Apostolic United Brethren, or AUB. Some Mormons may refer to them as the Allred group. Christine's grandfather, Rulon C. Allred, founded the group, based on the teachings of Joseph Smith. Rulon was unlike the other sect leaders, as he never created new rules, or shared revelations in order to control his flock.
Sister Wives: Facts About The FLDS
The leading fundamentalist group that most Sister Wives viewers have heard of is the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The FLDS has been on many news programs, due to the sect's take on plural marriage. The FLDS began by following the mainstream teachings of the LDS church, but quickly veered off course, thanks to the leadership of Warren Jeffs. The women are forced to wear modest clothing, while the prophet (leader) is the only one who can assign wives to husbands.
Sister Wives: The Kingston Clan Is Another Polygamous Sect
John Daniel Kingston is the highest-ranking member of The Order. The Salt Lake City-based polygamous group is well known for operating several businesses and schools in the suburbs. The Kingston Group was founded in 1935 by Paul Elden Kingston, but is not affiliated with the FLDS. However, members practice a fundamentalist version of Mormonism that Sister Wives stars don't endorse, which still involves polygamy. The Order is well known for its obsession with pure bloodlines, as members believe that they are God's chosen people. The sect allows incest, and wants people to live as if it is Judgment Day. The Sister Wives cast has always tried to distance themselves from this sect.
Sources: Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey/Netflix