What Does ‘Taylor Mormon Wives’ Mean
‘Taylor Mormon wives’ refers to women who are legally and spiritually sealed to a single Mormon man in a plural marriage authorized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The term points to the LDS practice of plural marriage under the leadership of church president John Taylor in the late 19th century. This explainer describes how such marriages are conducted today, the roles and responsibilities within plural families, distinctions between doctrine, policy, and cultural practice, and how to interpret the term accurately in historical and contemporary contexts.
Plural Marriage in LDS Doctrine and Policy
Within LDS theology, eternal marriage or sealing is intended to persist beyond death, and plural marriage is framed as one expression of that doctrine under specific conditions. The current policy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to not perform or solemnize plural marriages anywhere in the world. Modern temple ordinances for plural marriage are not conducted, and living plural marriages are not recognized by the church. The church discontinued the practice over a century ago and adheres to laws of the countries in which it operates.
Historical Authorization and John Taylor Era
During the ministry of President John Taylor (1880–1887), the LDS Church issued the 1886 Manifesto under President Wilford Woodruff, which suspended the performance of new plural marriages while affirming that existing plural marriages remained valid. Official policy today clarifies that no new plural marriages are authorized, and the church focuses on monogamous marriage as the standard for members.
Doctrine, Practice, and Cultural Expression
Doctrine refers to theological teachings; practice refers to official church policy; culture refers to the behaviors and traditions within communities. Some fundamentalist groups continue plural marriage outside of LDS Church authority, often without legal recognition or church approval. Within mainstream LDS culture, the term may appear in historical discussions, academic literature, or media, but it does not describe an active, sanctioned path for new plural unions.
Legal and Civic Context
Plural marriage is illegal across the United States and in most countries where the LDS Church operates. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reynolds v. United States (1878) upheld the constitutionality of anti-bigamy laws. Since then, both federal and state jurisdictions have consistently enforced laws against plural marriage. The LDS Church cooperates with these laws and teaches members to be civic-minded and law-abiding.
Secular and Religious Distinctions
In legal contexts, marriages are recognized only when performed under state law. In religious contexts, some traditions may perform ceremonies that differ from civil requirements. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the only legally recognized and doctrinally sanctioned marriages are those between one man and one woman that are solemnized in compliance with local laws.
Notable Individuals and Family Structures
Historical figures associated with John Taylor and plural marriage include church leaders, pioneers, and their families who lived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Contemporary public figures may identify with plural marriage traditions through cultural or fundamentalist communities, but their status does not reflect the policy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Plural families today may include multiple adults and children navigating legal, financial, and social considerations in jurisdictions where plural marriage is not legally permitted.
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: The church currently authorizes or practices plural marriage.
- Reality: The church has not authorized new plural marriages for more than a century and does not recognize them today.
- Misconception: All Mormons support or participate in plural marriage.
- Reality: The overwhelming majority of Latter-day Saints are members of the LDS Church, which opposes plural marriage and teaches monogamous marriage as the standard.
- Misconception: Historical figures such as John Taylor actively promoted plural marriage as a universal requirement.
- Reality: While plural marriage was practiced under prophetic direction in the 19th century, modern policy is clear and unequivocal: only monogamous marriage is permitted.
Verified Details: Historical and Contemporary Overview
Below is a concise reference table with verified attributes, dates, and contexts relevant to plural marriage in LDS history and its present status.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Key Figure | John Taylor (LDS Church president 1880–1887) | Historical records |
| Manifesto Year | 1890 (Wilford Woodruff Manifesto) | Church history documents |
| Current Policy | No new plural marriages authorized; only monogamous marriage recognized | Official church statements |
| Legal Status in U.S. | Plural marriage is illegal; Reynolds v. United States (1878) upheld anti-bigamy laws | U.S. Supreme Court rulings |
| Doctrinal Status | Historical practice; not a current doctrinal mandate or pathway for new sealings | LDS scripture and policy essays |
| Modern Examples | Some fundamentalist groups practice plural marriage outside LDS Church authority | Academic and journalistic reporting |
Relationship and Status Clarification
When people ask about Taylor Mormon wives, they are often seeking clarity on whether plural marriage remains a lived reality for members today. The relationship between a Mormon man and his wife or wives is understood to be a sacred covenant in LDS teaching, but current policy limits that covenant to monogamous marriage. Status clarifications emphasize that historical plural marriages are documented within church history, while present-day practices align with civil law and official church discipline.
How to Interpret the Term Responsibly
Responsible interpretation requires distinguishing between historical practice, doctrinal principle, current policy, and cultural expression. When the phrase Taylor Mormon wives appears in media or conversation, it is important to ask: Is this describing a historical event, a doctrinal claim, a legal arrangement, or a cultural identity? Accurate framing prevents confusion between what was, what is taught, and what is permitted today.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- The phrase refers to women sealed in plural marriage to a Mormon man, rooted in 19th-century LDS history under President John Taylor.
- The LDS Church does not authorize or perform plural marriages; only monogamous marriage is recognized today.
- Plural marriage remains illegal in the United States and most countries; the church teaches civic obedience.
- Historical plural marriages are documented, but current policy is clear and consistent.
- Understanding the difference between history, doctrine, policy, and culture is essential for accurate discussion.
Tags
Plural Marriage, LDS History, John Taylor, Doctrine and Covenants, Temple Sealing, Mormon Practice