Media scrutiny has focused on the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and Helaman Jeffs. Helaman, the son of imprisoned leader Warren Jeffs, is a key leader in the sect.
Family Background
Helaman Jeffs has a long FLDS Church leadership lineage. The leaders in his family are his father and grandfather.
Family Member | Relationship | Background |
---|---|---|
Warren Jeffs | Father | Leader of the FLDS, serving a life sentence for sexual offenses. |
Rulon Jeffs | Grandfather | Former leader of the FLDS, known for his extensive marriages. |
Lyle Jeffs | Uncle | A high-ranking official in the FLDS Church, involved in legal issues. |
Seth Jeffs | Uncle | Also a prominent figure within the church, involved in various controversies. |
Brent W. Jeffs | Cousin | Survivor and whistleblower regarding abuse within the FLDS. |
Rachel Jeffs | Cousin | Known for her efforts to support ex-FLDS members. |
Leadership Role
As Warren Jeffs’ son, Helaman was trained for FLDS leadership. He issues revelations supposedly from his father to guide the faithful in their activities and lifestyles.
Role | Responsibilities | Notable Actions |
---|---|---|
Leader of FLDS | Guides members based on revelations | Issued directives believed to come from Warren. |
Revelations Distributor | Shares teachings with followers | Organizes gatherings for dissemination of messages. |
Authority Figure | Enforces church laws | Often involved in matters of church discipline. |
Recent Developments
Helaman has been involved in several controversies, including the disappearance of neighborhood youngsters and family member kidnapping. Former members and outside observers worry about sect children’s safety after these tragedies.
Incident | Description | Current Status |
---|---|---|
Missing Children | Reports of children going missing after family disputes. | Ongoing investigations by authorities. |
Kidnapping Allegations | Involvement of family members in alleged kidnappings. | Legal actions taken against involved relatives. |
Community Tensions | Increased scrutiny from outside groups. | Growing calls for reform within the FLDS. |
Family Dynamics
The Jeffs family is close but complex, influenced by FLDS principles. Family relationships are generally defined by religious beliefs and church theology, which includes polygamy and strict gender roles.
Family Member | Role | Impact on Helaman |
---|---|---|
Marilyn Steed | Grandmother | Influenced the family’s religious upbringing. |
Leslie Balmforth | Aunt | Known for her influence within the church. |
Clayne Jeffs | Cousin | Actively participates in family leadership. |
Other Siblings | Various roles in FLDS | Share responsibilities in church activities. |
Community Influence
Helaman Jeffs remains influential in the FLDS group. Since his behaviors and judgments typically mirror the sect’s legacy under his father, Warren Jeffs, they are closely observed.
Influence Aspect | Description | Notable Effects |
---|---|---|
Spiritual Leader | Acts as a conduit for divine revelations. | Shapes beliefs and practices of the followers. |
Public Figure | Represents FLDS in media and public forums. | Engenders both support and criticism from society. |
Policy Maker | Involved in setting church policies. | Affects the daily lives of community members. |
FAQ
Who is Helaman Jeffs?
The FLDS Church’s leader, Helaman Jeffs, is the son of Warren Jeffs, who is in prison.
The significance of his family background?
His father and grandfather led the FLDS Church, making his family history noteworthy.
Which FLDS Church roles does Helaman Jeffs play?
He leads community practices and spreads fatherly discoveries.
What scandals surround Helaman Jeffs?
Helaman has been related to community child disappearances and accusations of family kidnappings.
How does Helaman Jeffs affect FLDS?
He shapes beliefs, asserts spiritual authority, and makes sect-wide policy choices.