THE PUBLIC FACES OF MORMONISM’S POLYGAMOUS PAST AND PRESENT For many who are not familiar with today’s LDS church, the issue of Mormon teachings about and former practice of plural marria ge remain closely associated in their minds. And viewing the Mormon tradition broadly, “The Principle” is still a major public face as the Warren Jeffs trial, the HBO series Big Love, and other events and stories associated with those who practice plural marriage are regularly in the news. Adding to this mix of messages is the theological ambiguity of plural marriage that remains in mainstream LDS circles when one considers current sealing practices for widowers and the continued canonical status of D&C Section 132. This session will explore these and other facets of today’s polygamous face of Mormonism.

PERRY PORTER, ANNE WILDE, LINDA CHATWIN, BROOKE ADAMS, DAVID G. PACE