A striking example of the Church’s lack of transparency is its position on polygamy.

While public discourse from Church leaders often distances the institution from its polygamous past, any active member knows that plural sealings are still performed regularly in Latter-day Saint temples. These sealings include both ‘dead-to-dead’ and ‘living-to-dead’ ordinances, quietly affirming that polygamy remains a doctrinal reality. This practice is rooted in Section 132 of the Doctrine and Covenants, which is still accepted as canonized scripture. This section outlines what the Church refers to as the “New and Everlasting Covenant”—a phrase that deliberately signals continuity. The use of the word everlasting is not incidental; it reflects the Church’s theological position that polygamy is an eternal principle.

Despite this, Church leaders often condemn contemporary polygamous groups and practices—particularly those involving ‘living-to-living’ unions—both within and outside of the institutional Church. This public disavowal stands in stark contrast to the continued performance of plural sealings, creating a misleading impression for both members and outsiders. The result is a dual narrative: a public rejection of polygamy alongside a quiet, ongoing theological and ritual commitment to it.

This disconnect is more than a doctrinal nuance—it is a calculated form of obfuscation that allows the Church to sidestep public scrutiny while preserving its belief in eternal plural marriage.