I just finished taking a gander at the aforementioned websites and frankly was not impressed. While the REAL LDS Church has a picture of Christ at the opening of their site, the "FLDS" have NONE! By their fruits ye shall know them. No mention of Christ on their "truth" website. Also on the "captive" site, someone needs to contact Janice Kapp Perry to see if she approved of their use of the song "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" in the background of one of the videos. There is no credit of such, and this is a flagrant copyright violation.

Another side of the issue nobody has brought up relates to a video aired last fall on CNN by Gary Tuchman. I'm looking for the URL, but in the video Warren Jeffs was filmed in prison stating to the best of my memory, that he "was not a prophet." He also broke down confessing that at one point sinned by "lying with a woman and her daughter at the same time."

To the staff at the Deseret News, I hope this will provide you with some issues to research. Thanks for your excellent coverage.

This is no more a war on child abuse than WWII was a war on submarines

As I do not agree with there church.I have a true understanding about what happened and I do not agree with the way it was done. they have a right in america to worship as they see fit. the children were happy where they were.this is no different than an abduction of these children from there parents.reminds me of waco somewhat

These websites are kind of a joke. Why take pictures of your kids getting taken away?

The FLDS truth website is laughable. Why officially launch an incomplete website? And that picture of that pervert Warren Jeffs tells you a lot right there.

I hear these women say over and over again when asked about young girls being forcedto marry older men we are here about the children. well some one need to tellthem they are marrying children to dirty old men

anyone notice the "DONATE" button on the website?

"bleed the beast", 2008 style ?

I wonder which Bible they use? They must not have read what 2 Timothy 3:2 says about Christian men: "...without reproach, the husband of one wife..."

Hmmm...donate huh ?? Will this go to the Warren Jeffs legal defense fund ? What about all the money earned through welfare fraud and fleecing the labor of young boys without paying them and then sending them out of the only home they ever knew to become lost boys? Where were these loving parents then ? What about their daughters ? Being groomed as young sex slaves for the pleasure of old perverts ? I never doubt they love their children, but only till their 'prophet' says it is convenient. That is a double standard. This is a CULT, not a religion. It may have been a religion until Warren Jeffs took over, but now it is a CULT and all children belonging to cults must be protected.

Dear Disgusted,

The reason we have no picture of Jesus Christ on our website, It's not because we don't believe in him, its because #1 there is no true picture of what he really looks like, and we will not put a picture of a "supposed" picture of Jesus in our homes! and #2 Because the website is about how our religion was brought back to this earth not the whole history of all the prophets before Jesus, and it has pictures of our prophets only of this dispensation.

Seriously, though... was it necessary to bring in armed SWAT team? Does that strike anyone as a LITTLE overzealous? What were these prairie style women going to do that required use of a tank? Really, now, I certainly do not agree with underaged forced marraiges, but let's all remember that these folks, weird as they may be, are American citizens. The first time a tank rolls through MY neighborhood and SWAT members start lining up the kids playing on my street, I am going to cause a MUCH LARGER STINK than the FLDS are. Please let's investigate allegations of abuse and assist women and children as much as possible, WHILE respecting American citizens and their rights. Not to mention that they must've scared these little kids TO DEATH with all the pomp and circumstance of the raid, and by separating kids as young as 6 from their moms. My 7 year old has never spent a day away from me except with trusted family and friends. Poor little things! Texas is getting its "BIG" attitude in the way of its own investigation, I think!

freaks r us .com.

They make me ill. I hope all children never go back to ranch brainwash

"we will not put a picture of a "supposed" picture of Jesus in our homes!"

But you have pictures of the convicted pedophile Warren Jeffs EVERYWHERE!

I pray that these children are kept away from the sick indoctrination of FLDS.

"
But you have pictures of the convicted pedophile Warren Jeffs EVERYWHERE!"

Elly,

You misunderstood. Nobody knows what Jesus looks like, so they don't see a need for artistic speculation. You can find out what Jeffs looks like from an old FBI list.

There is a reference to a CNN report earlier by Disgusted. I looked up the reference and it was from November 7, 2007. There is a transcript from the jail where Jeffs reportedly attempted to hang himself.

Here is the excerpt from CNN:

Jail transcripts show that Jeffs' suicide attempt came three days after a visit with his brother, Nephi, in which he said, "I am not the prophet. I never was the prophet, and I have been deceived by the powers of evil ... I ask for everyone's forgiveness." Jeffs also told his brother: "Farewell forever."

The day before that, Jeffs told a follower in a phone conversation that he was "covered with immorality with a sister and a daughter when I was younger." In the FLDS, members call adult women "sister," and Jeffs' meaning was unclear.

I might add that I SAW and HEARD Jeffs state those things on video. It is not just hearsay.

Swat: If you are patrolling your property/yard via high powered rifles, night vision and etc., I'll be the first to call 911 and watch swat close your neighborhood and take you away.
Outraged: CPS has been in the business of taking away children based upon hearsay and suggestions of abuse for at least twenty five years now, in many states. The parent/s is/are guilty until proven innocent. This happens on a small scale every single day. Also DNA samples are ordered by the courts for paternity everyday. I am certainly interested to see the outcome of those results--this may lead to a family feud in at least three states!

...and if these FDLS men were so sure that how they
are teaching the females/males in their compound how
to live was within the law, where are they now? If they
are so sure that their way is the right way, why are
they not out their fighting for their children, helping
these mothers? Running scared is where they are...
probably have an underground tunnel for a quick
escape. I would hope that the state of Texas does not
blow this and send those children back to abuse.

Hey Disgusted !

What does Christ look like? Maybe you could give them a description so they could draw an image.

Hey "Is polygamy ok"
Abraham had more than 1 wife as well as did Moses, David, etc.....
Now, one time a man called Paul comes along and a misinterpreted verse of his is used by people like you............research, bud, you might find out what that verse really means. Ever read the books of Moses? "Shall not diminish the rights of the First wife" look it up!

Stork: Apparently you are commenting from somewhere outside of the US, because here. . .it is illegal. Perhaps you are unaware that he who, "beareth the sword not in vain," are the law enforcement officers of the government, and what were swords are now bullet firing weapons. This entire mess could have been avoided if men weren't greedy perverts!

stork, research yourself and find the differences between old and new testament. there were only more than one wife in the old testament before Jesus and his teachings.

I think this whole thing is disgusting. I also find it pretty amazing how all the men have now vanished. And if these kids don't have birth certificates, how are the women collecting welfare. I hope the state of Texas finds those kids good homes,and the state bulldozes the compound.

OH, WHERE ARE THE PATRIOTS?

"Patriotism does not consist in aiding the government in every base and stupid act it may perform but rather in paralyzing its power when it violates vested rights, affronts insulted justice and assumes undelegated authority"

-Apostle Orson F. Whitney

This FLDS web-site is filled with FLDS false doctrine. No such doctrine. All a big Hoax!

Hmmm, without the old testement, you have no new testement. Jesus taught from the old, the new came later from the Catholics gathering stuff, you think Jesus had the new testement?
I am in the USA, and I know what law is. Polygamy has not always been illegal, and the law against it is unconstitutonal.
Jesus did not teach against polygamy.
And no, there has been polygamy long after the new testement was written. And yes, I have done a lot of research, not just with polygamy, but the bible, it's origins, modifications, translations, as well as human nature.
I see many ready to jump and judge others with very little, if any, real facts, but heh, what did Jesus say, was it - judge everyone else, and excuse yourself, after all you are forgiven, but others, heh, let 'em have it!

About the Old vs New Testement again

Jesus said (Mt 5:17) "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

And He said (Mt 7:1) "Judge not, that ye be not judged."

So, Christians, did Jesus do away with the Old Testement? No, HE didn't.

So, give those FLDS people a break!
GIVE BACK THEIR CHILDREN, then do some investigating IF there is reason to do so.

Thank you Stork! It is about time! I was hoping someone might have some sort of sense to them tonight!

Stork, as for your question about the appearance of Christ.... It is odd that the FLDS say they believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, because if they really believed in him, they would read his account of the First Vision in which he describes Christ's physical features. It seems to me that there is a contradiction of terms here.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with Joseph Smith.
I am not familiar with what the FLDS believe, it is their right (not privilege, but right) in this country to believe as they will.
I have seen a trend in my country (USA) that seems to contradict itself. So called "believers" that can do so because it their God given right, but don't allow others the same right.
If someone wants to debate religion, beware, for it you are really on that seeks the truth, you may find that your's is not on quite the solid ground that you think it is (I have experienced this to a massive extent).
If you say you believe, then show it by your example (ie, your works, what you do).

Why won't the FLDS answer questions? Why won't the Men come forward and give interviews?

The women say they want their children back but they are not willing to give DNA to prove who their children are?

How much trust would you have in a system that took you and your children gun-point and then seperates you from your children and starts telling you that your children are owned by the state, etc....
And all this while you don't think you've done anything wrong!
I think they were in "Name-rank-serialnumber" mode for a bit during the initial shock. I'm sure I would be in major shock if I were them.
The first thing in understanding is to put yourself in their position.

Mr. Is polygamy ok? " wonder which Bible they use? They must not have read what 2 Timothy 3:2 says about Christian men: "...without reproach, the husband of one wife..."

Mr polygamy ok? needs to get a king james, for your bible is under suspect.
2nd Timothy Chapter 3:2

3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Your bible is suspect. Funny how these verses should make you think.

Herbie,
Do just a little bit of research on bible translation, google can be of help to find sources for either real books on the subject or online articles that will lead to more research.
It's quite suprising what truth can be found in the muck and mud that's been passed around.
Not many people have learned Hebrew and Greek so they can read it for themselves, but those who have learned are willing to help.
It's pretty humbling.

I wish you the best against those thugs that kidnapped your children. If they really wanted to protect the children, they'd be rollin' tanks up to the Catholic churches.

I couldn't care less if anyone is abusing these kids. All I want to know is...WHO IS PAYING FOR THESE KIDS ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS? If they're getting welfare, I'll explode! You see, MY ABUSE is what matters to me after all these years!

Before the Raid, the FLDS was self sufficient according to all the media, their own cheese factory, paying taxes. They did not collect welfare, but now Texas taxpayers are going to have to foot the bill of the extraction of all the children. In my opinion if they received a call regarding 16 yr old girl, the only kids they should have taken should have been girls 12 yrs and older. Is Texas withdrawing from the Union of the United States?

Texas taxpayers will be footing the bill of this Raid.
If the CPS received call regarding 16 yr girl, the only children they should have taken should have been girls 12 yrs and older for being at risk.
According to prior news articles the FLDS community was self sufficient, not getting help from State and Paying quite a large sum in taxes. The real question is wether or not the Constitution was upheld, I believe not. So is Texas withdrawing from the Union of the United States by going out the way they did? ? ?

Kathy, they have been supported by the Welfare system all along!
The mothers are not legally wed so they receive assistance and turn over the check to the FLDS.

Over 350 Texas attorneys have donated their time FREE to represent these kids; the woman also have attorneys to represnet them; I would seriously look further into the web site asking for donations before doing. This raid has been proven to be ILLEGAL because these never was a 15yr old to "save" and Barlow was not in Texas. This criminal what has happend as to the capturing of the victims; the ADULT MEN should have been arrested and the investigation started there. The judge is a Nazi, building her case in the court room when the courts in this nation are designed to HEAR EVIDENCE PRESENTED TO THEM, TO TRY INDIVIDUALS ACCUSED AND TO CONVICT IF FOUND GUILTY!! The "suspect" minors forced to have sex w/the dirty ole' men are the cases to be investigated--NOT every child on the property. amazing how the "perps" were left alone, when THEY should have been arrested, and the victims were victimized AGAIN and AGAIN--they will NEVER get their kids back, Texas sheriff, law enforcement, the judge and CPS will see to that--last week end word has spread they are plannign on adopted these kids out already!

Ok...they are married within their compound..they hate US...we are evil..but...outside the compound, they are single Mom's and collect welfare..yes..they do...since they have been in Tx...they have received over 1-Million dollars in welfare...so..if married on the inside...not on the outside???? Seems strange to me..they hate us..but, are willing to take from us..
And..what about the underage girls that have babies or about to have babies...
These people do not tell the truth..it's time they did..things might be much better for them.
Warren Jeffs is in jail...he is a sex-offender, among other things..he has taken from welfare for a long time. It is very strange to me that they worship this person that is in prison?>??
Come on ladies...wake up...enough it enough..
And..by the way...you put your own sons out on the street if they don't measure up...so..you want your children back???hmmm...well..I think the parents that have put these young boys out, with no skills..etc..should be in jail..you don't throw your children away.

Have you noticed all adults & most young children wear a watch (which says so much) considering they live in a strictly ridged, regulated, regimented commune. Work, prayer, indoctrination & no playtime for the kids appear to be what it's all about. Not a teddy bear, doll, sandbox, swing or other toy is evident. No sign of any pets or items of a personal nature can be seen. The little kids wearing their long sleeved uniforms trying to splash in the puddle - no swimming pool in that Texas heat for them ... I just want to cry.

I think the women of FDLS should not be standing alone in this matter. Where are your loving husbands, fathers now? I thought the male role was stronghold of the family, did they abandon the sisters and wives due to request of DNA testing in fear of prosecution? Will DNA results show minor girls that are presently in custody mothers of infants presently in custody as well? I feel for the children due to the culture shock they are about to encounter. I do agree that some TX CPS workers abuse their authority as I have witnessed this. I have also been told when you can do nothing else you become a police officer. TX REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD NOT ABUSE THEIR POWER. HOWEVER IN COURT IT IS THEIR WORD AGAINST YOURS. Money talks.

Why do we not know the nature of the kids being raised and what kid of morals and values they are being taught? Are they more virtuous than the norm in society. Are thy better mannered and polite? How pure is there communication and thought? Of course the dictatorial freedom and family destroying media will never let this out.

These websites are riduculous! The State of Texas has taken the initiative to do something about this sect that UT and AZ were too scared (or involved) to do. We do not want these people living here under these conditions. Texans do not take child abuse lightly. The mothers are equally to blame as are the fathers. After having read the bishop's list of sect members, I believe that several will in fact have charges brought against them once the DNA results are back. The mothers were delibertly trying to sabbotage the identifying process. Shame on them! What do they have to hide????

This group messed up coming to Texas. They do not have the authorities in their pocket as they do in UT and AZ. We will not turn a blind eye to this abuse. And yes, we, the tax payers are footing the bill for this massive effort to help protect these children. However, this group is very proficient at milking the government for aide in the form of TANF, Lonestar Card, Wic, and Medicaid. Only the 1st wife is considered the legal one. All others are considered as "single non- working mothers". The are suspected of commiting not only physical and mental abuse of the children, but tax and welfare fraud as well. Also, the DOD is investigating government contracts of one of the puppet companies of the FLDS. It's about time someone started protecting these children. Texans do not take child abuse lightly.

Hello there, JO FROM TAXES just what are you trying to prove, and who are you trying to prove it to. You nor enybody els have or can get, any proof that these familys are on weal faer or any other goverment binifit progame. Just take a closer look at what realy happened, and you will see that there is, a dairy on the ranch and fields and gardens. This was a self sustaining ranch and if you think you can prove otherwise pleas go a head and try, but you will not succeed, becous you simply can't. And if you think for a moment that they through there children out, all i can say to you is it takes a lie to cover up one.

The men broke the law. Not the kids. The men should have been rounded up and put in a gym and made to sleep on cots while it took a looong time for a judge to decide what to do with them.

first of all, warren jeffs is a pedaphile, and to usurp a bible written by an illiterate man in 1843, that was basically plagerized from the holy bible with his own "insights" written in, I find this "church" an abomination. I lived in Utah for 15 years and did a considerable amount of historical research on joseph smith and the whole LDS history from mountain meadow massacre to banking shadiness and failures in nauvoo to the twisted thinking and abhorrent behavior exhibted by the flds church today...not the LDS. they are misled and deluded by the men of this religion. these men are nothing more than a bunch of punk child rapists that ensure their own control under the threat of damnation. sorry but they don't possess the power to damn people only GOD has that power, and for any man to think that he or they do shows them to be meglomaniacs of the degree of adolf hitler...protect the children and young women at all costs.Jesus cherished and honored women to be prophets,the Angel showed itself to Mary to announce Jesus" death,not a man but a woman..hmmm