Mormons distance themselves from polygamist groups

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Mormon church has largely stayed on the sidelines as authorities investigate a polygamist sect in West Texas.

The mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today launched a public relations campaign that seeks a delicate balance.

The Mormon church is trying to distinguish itself from a small, separate group that claims some of the same history -- while not denigrating someone else's beliefs.

The initiative details how it considers its 19th century practice of polygamy different from present-day practitioners like the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

An April raid on the FLDS compound in Eldorado, Texas, led to the seizure of several hundred children.

The Texas Supreme Court later ordered the children returned to their parents, who denied abuse allegations.

The Mormon church in 1890 prohibited the practice of polygamy and excommunicates members who disobey.

On the Net:

• www.lds.org

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