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Tours of polygamist cities now available
If you were in Hildale, Utah or Colorado City, Arizona yesterday, it was either because (a) you live there or (b) you were taking the first tour of polygamist country. Former Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints members Richard and Heber Holm, brothers, have launched four-hour tours of the two towns that are controlled by the largest FLDS community in the United States. Of course, don't expect much interaction from the locals.
These two towns are known for being uncomfortable with outsiders, given their beliefs and the interaction they have with law enforcement officials – which stems from their practice of plural marriage and a history of sexual assault charges (to which the group's leader, Warren Jeffs, was convicted in 2007). Jeffs' church has maintained control of the towns' economies and governments, with the FLDS staffing the police department, schools and public offices with like-minded employees.
Now, you can step into this isolated world, learn about the belief system you've seen on HBO's Big Love and even talk to people who once lived in the towns. Richard Holm was exiled from the community in 2003 by Jeffs, while his brother left the twin towns35 years ago.
It doesn't come as a shock that the FLDS is not excited about this new development. Its spokesman, Willie Jessop, a member of a prominent family in Hildale and Colorado City, calls it a scam.
Want to know what another member of the Jessop family thinks? Find out after the jump.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Vision Clarity Sep 20th 2009 6:23PM
Richard Holm and Heber Holm were not given permission to provide tours in Colorado City, Arizona. They don't have permission to give tours of Hildale, Utah. the only thing they may have is a license to do business by the states involved. These men are not FLDS and are not members of that church. The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are not condoning that plan. Richard Holm is responsible for earlier problems in that community. He was uninvited by the community, and if not for a Utah state judge, would have never been allowed to return. Heber Holm has been estranged since he was in his teens(he is in his late 40's or early 50's now). http://factsbeknown.blogspot.com/
VisionClarity Sep 20th 2009 6:47PM
The video of Carolyn Jessop talking about the book she is responsible for writing is a rendition of another disgruntled ex-member. I am not there anymore, but am still in regular contact with the family I left behind. I can attest for the fact that women are required to live the religion or to go. the men are also under that requirement. What religion in history was able to maintain fidelity and morality in the ranks, without a set of rules to follow. Carolyn was not aware(I guess) that she had every opportunity to leave without feeling like it was an escape. I did when I was told by Warren to go make a life for myself outside of that community. I did not fear for my physical life. I feared and still fear for my spiritual life. God alone has power to save or not save in the afterlife. It is when we do not live right, to the best of our ability, when we run dry of spirituality(the Holy Spirit). God loves us all. Warren Jeffs will still tell it to those who have left or those who visit him and are wanting him to ask God for blessings for themselves. http://factsbeknown.blogspot.com/
BobJ Sep 20th 2009 8:08PM
Mr. and Mrs. Clarity must have thought it an inside joke to name their offspring Vision, or the previous poster prefers anonymity.
Whatever the case, I think it would be great fun as well as informative to visit Hilsdale or Colorado City and their inbred communities. It's probably time to introduce then to the 21st century. But Carloyn Jessop's book, 'Escape', is a necessary primer to how these people live.
But I do have to wonder what sort of reception would be in store for tourists. No doubt an encounter with the FLDS police, and probably best to travel with an ACLU attorney.
verdegrrl Sep 20th 2009 9:24PM
Closed and secretive societies will always draw attention. The only way to dispel negative rumor is to be more open. But if they have something to hide (both from their members and outsiders), that isn't desirable.
There are a host of lifestyle choices made by members that may be outside the law, so scrutiny is warranted.