LDS Church Officially Renounces Polygamy
September 24th, 1890
September 24th, 1890

How Long Ago?
134 years, 5 months, 19 days ago
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Category
Religion & Philosophy
People
- Wilford Woodruff
Links & References
Tags
LDS Church Officially Renounces Polygamy
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by President Wilford Woodruff, issued a declaration known as the 'Manifesto'. This document formally renounced the practice of polygamy among its members, marking a significant shift in church policy. The decision came in response to increasing pressures from the United States government and the need for statehood for Utah, where the church was primarily situated. Woodruff's proclamation aimed to promote harmony between the church and the federal government while addressing concerns from both inside and outside the church regarding polygamous practices.
Wilford Woodruff issued the renouncement.
Polygamy was a contentious issue for decades.
The event was motivated by legal pressures.
It led to increased acceptance of Mormons.
What Happened?
The 'Manifesto', issued by Wilford Woodruff, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, effectively brought an end to the official practice of polygamy within the faith. This significant declaration was made in the context of mounting legal pressures from the U.S. government, which had been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the church over its marital practices. The practice of plural marriage, while a tenet for many Mormons seeking divine instruction, had led to severe persecution, legal restrictions, and a national outcry for many years. The legal landscape had changed dramatically as federal anti-polygamy laws became more stringent.Wilford Woodruff recognized the necessity of addressing these issues for the church's survival and the well-being of its members. His declaration stated that the church would no longer sanction polygamous marriages and urged members to adhere to monogamous unions. This strategic move was essential for Utah's bid for statehood, demonstrating the church’s commitment to conforming with the broader societal norms of the United States. While many members of the church had already abandoned polygamy in practice due to societal pressures and legal ramifications, the official pronouncement solidified this change and paved the way for a new era of church governance and community relations.The Manifesto was later reaffirmed in subsequent church policies and shaped the cultural developments within the church and broader society. This shift also encouraged the church to focus on community-building initiatives, education, and public relations to improve its image and secure a positive future for its members in America. By renouncing polygamy, the church facilitated a reintegration process into American societal norms and values, leading to increased acceptance of Latter-day Saints across the nation.
Why Does it Matter?
The renouncement of polygamy by the LDS Church is significant as it marked a pivotal transformation in the church's relationship with the U.S. government and its broader social acceptance. This move helped facilitate Utah's eventual statehood and allowed the church to rebrand itself as a more mainstream religious group. Understanding this shift is crucial for comprehending the evolution of religious practices and social dynamics in late 19th-century America.
Discover More Historic Events from September 24th
OSIRIS-REx Capsule Returns with Asteroid Samples
NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully returned to Earth, bringing back samples from the asteroid 101955 Bennu. The capsule landed in the Utah desert, showcasing the mission's achievement in asteroid exploration. This milestone marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the early solar system and the origins of life. The samples will undergo extensive analysis to uncover their secrets.
Continue ReadingDeadly Stampede at Hajj Pilgrimage
A severe stampede occurred during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, resulting in at least 1,100 fatalities and 934 injuries. The incident took place as thousands of pilgrims gathered for the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual. The overcrowded conditions led to chaos, causing a tragic human crush in a narrow street. Authorities faced criticism over crowd control measures and the overall safety of the pilgrimage.
Continue ReadingIndia First to Reach Mars Orbit on First Attempt
India's Mars Orbiter Mission successfully entered orbit, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the mission aimed to demonstrate India's cost-effective capabilities in space technology. The spacecraft, known as Mangalyaan, reached its destination 650 million kilometers away from Earth, achieving its objective with minimal cost and in a remarkable timeframe. This achievement positioned India as the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the only nation to do so on its first attempt.
Continue ReadingDevastating 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Pakistan
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck southern Pakistan, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 327 lives. The quake was centered near the city of Awaran in Balochistan province. Thousands of buildings were destroyed, leading to significant displacement. Emergency services faced challenges in reaching remote areas for rescue and relief efforts due to the terrain and aftershocks that continued to shake the region.
Continue ReadingG20 Summit Convenes in Pittsburgh, PA
Leaders from the world's largest economies gathered in Pittsburgh to discuss critical global economic issues, focusing on reforming financial institutions and enhancing policies to foster sustainable growth. Notable attendees included U.S. President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The summit, held in the context of the 2008 financial crisis, aimed to stabilize the global economy and prevent future meltdowns. It marked the first time the G20 met at the leaders' level, signifying the importance of broader international cooperation.
Continue ReadingSA Airlink Flight 8911 Crashes Near Durban
SA Airlink Flight 8911, a merchant jet, crashed near Durban International Airport during approach due to a suspected mechanical failure. The incident resulted in the death of the captain, while the first officer and two cabin crew members sustained various injuries. The aircraft, a Jetstream 41, was carrying passengers as part of its routine service. The accident raised significant concerns regarding aircraft safety procedures and led to investigations into the airline's maintenance practices.
Continue Reading