Actually, polygamy was against the law in every state the Saints were in prior to moving to Utah. The D&C clearly declares Celetial Plural Marriage as "the law of the priesthood" that must be followed if we are to have the same reward as Father Abraham. Yes, the Book of Mormon says when the Lord will raise up seed "unto Him" (righteous seed) He will "command my people", what does that say about those children born at the times the Lord hasn't commanded His people...why, they aren't His seed! The Lord has commanded His Saints in this final dispensation, it is up to each individual to accept the command or follow the precepts of men.

One important point here, the church ruled to follow the laws of the land on this matter, so polygamy was removed as a practice when it was outlawed a long time ago.  It is not something that will be practiced again so long as that is a law of the land on the books.  The church has been very clear on that point entirely.  Anyone who does practice that in the church will be excommunicated, as it is against the laws of the land and the people of the church are asked to obey those as a covenant.  It was once practiced during a time when there were a lot of widows and people who needed the support of someone around to help raise children and help with the livelyhood and care of raising families.  It is no longer a practice that needs be at this time.  I am not saying that it may never be reinstated within the church, but I am saying that whatever happens, God wants people to be taken care of and live within the laws of the church and the land, and at this time, that kind of weddings are not within those bounds.  He will provide what will and will not happen in the future, but for now, let those in authority answer to this.  Listen to your leaders, as there are answers forthcoming as to what the church does or does not believe, and know that the church will now and forevermore follow the laws of the land, until such a day as the laws need changed, and then it will go through the proper channels. Their church is not the same ways or teachings as our beliefs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints.  They are a splinter group with a lot of differences, and different teachings.  Do not be confused by what the media is making this out to be, listen well and watch for the responces from the leadership of the church and your local bishopric.  Best of blessings everyone,

Maraleh

As LDS, I don;t distance myself from anything. Why should we unless our testimony are not strong enough. Just a thought.

HD

Grant:

LDS scripture DOES support polygamy and is very specific about it. I reference the Book of Mormon, Jacob, Chapter 2, verses 27 and 30:
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/jacob/2/27,30#27

The important part of the doctrine of polygamy is that it is practiced ONLY when the Lord commands it. When Joseph Smith taught it, it was done exactly in that manner - it was a calling and those not called by revelation were not allowed to practice polygamy.

This is one of those sensitive topics that a lot of people don't want to discuss in depth because they're afraid of stepping on toes or saying something wrong, but it needs to be discussed more, I think, to help clear up the confusion about it.

Thanks, grant.  Good way to put it.  By the way, everyone, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has put out a few official statements/ press releases in regards to the recent FLDS matter.  If you haven't read them yet, I encourage you to do so at www.lds.org/newsroom.

...and the Bible supports the fact that public transportation is a bad thing because it says "Jesus walked"...

Its a bigger picture in both books, bible and BoM... the subjective nature of it is what makes people get weird. Because its mentioned doesn't mean that its "supported". Seems a little misleading, kinda like newspaper teasers...ya think?