| has gloss | eng: The origin of Latter Day Saint polygamy is traced to Mormonism founder Joseph Smith, Jr., who taught that polygamy (or at least polygyny) was a divine commandment, and practiced it personally, by some accounts marrying as many as 30 wives before his death. This position is supported by "sealing" records, public marriage licenses (in many cases notarized), affidavits, letters, journals and diaries. Smith, and the leading quorums of the church, denied publicly that he preached or practiced polygamy. Smith's son Joseph Smith III, widow Emma Smith and most members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS, now called the Community of Christ) challenged the evidence presented and taught that Joseph Smith opposed the practice of polygamy and was not a polygamist. |
