The 1890 Manifesto: A Turning Point for the Latter-day Saints
In 1890, a significant transformation occurred within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church. On September 24, 1890, President Wilford Woodruff issued a proclamation referred to as the Manifesto, advising members of the Church that the practice and teaching of polygamy should officially be abandoned. This decision was driven not only by the legal pressures faced by the Church but also by the evolving societal norms of the time.
The Church had previously endorsed polygamy, a practice where a man could have multiple wives, gaining followers and facing opposition on varying fronts. By the late 19th century, the U.S. government intensified efforts to quell this practice through legislation, leading to unrest between church members and state authorities.
Wilford Woodruff's Reasons for the Manifesto
President Wilford Woodruff, who served as the Church's leader from 1887 until his death in 1898, believed that the continuation of polygamy could jeopardize the future of the Church and its members. With legal battles escalating, Woodruff recognized that a renouncement was vital for the survival and legitimacy of the faith. He sought divine inspiration and concluded that the best path forward involved abandoning the practice of polygamy.
The Impact of the Manifesto on Latter-day Saints
The release of the Manifesto had profound implications. While many members complied with the new directive, there were factions within the Church that resisted change, leading to a schism within the community. This marked a pivotal moment as the Church moved towards mainstream acceptance, shedding its controversial past to embrace a modern identity.
The Aftermath of the Manifesto: Changes and Challenges
The Manifesto did not immediately end polygamous marriages, as some were already contracted and continued. However, it marked the beginning of a formal transition towards monogamy, aligned with legal and social pressures of the time.
Legal Consequences Following the Manifesto
Post-manifesto, the Church faced significant legal challenges, including the seizure of Church property. The U.S. government enacted laws aimed at eliminating polygamy and diminishing the power of the Church. This placed further strain on the community, leading to a gradual shift in practices.
Social Transformation within the Church
In the years following the Manifesto, many Latter-day Saints began to integrate into wider American society. The efforts to align Church practices with national laws fostered a new identity for church members, focusing on community and family life, and distancing from polygamy.
Fun Fact
Wilford Woodruff’s Interesting Fact
Wilford Woodruff is known not only for the Manifesto but also for his extensive travels and missionary work throughout his lifetime, advocating for the Church's expansion during challenging times.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Wilford Woodruff
For those interested in learning more about this pivotal event in Latter-day Saints history, consider reading "Wilford Woodruff: History, Gazetteer, and Biographical Sketch" which provides an in-depth look at his life and leadership during a transformative time for the Church.
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