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RELIGION

Essay: Mormon founder had teen bride during early days of faith when polygamy was practiced

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    FILE - In this Dec. 8, 1997, file photo shows an 1842 watercolor portrait of Joseph Smith by Sutcliffe Maudsley on exhibit at the Museum of Church History and Art, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac, File) (The Associated Press)

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    FILE - In this Dec. 8, 1997, file photo, shows an 1842 oil painting of Emma Hale Smith by David Rogers on exhibit at the Museum of Church History and Art, in Salt Lake City. Smith was the first of 33 plural wives of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. Mormon church founder Joseph Smith had an underage bride and was married to other men’s wives during the early days of the faith when polygamy was practiced, a new church essay reveals. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says most of Smith’s wives were between 20 and 40 years old but that one was just 14. While part of the church's early days, polygamy has been banned in the faith since 1890. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac, File) (The Associated Press)

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    FILE- In this Sept. 3, 2014, file photo, shows flowers blooming in front of the Salt Lake Temple. in Temple Square, in Salt Lake City. Mormon church founder Joseph Smith had an underage bride and was married to other men’s wives during the early days of the faith when polygamy was practiced, a new church essay reveals. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says most of Smith’s wives were between 20 and 40 years old but that one was just 14. While part of the church's early days, polygamy has been banned in the faith since 1890. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) (The Associated Press)

SALT LAKE CITY – A new church essay reveals Mormon church founder Joseph Smith had an underage bride and was married to other men's wives during the early days of the faith when polygamy was practiced.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says most of Smith's wives were adults, but one was a 14-year-old girl who was the daughter of Smith's close friends. Research shows the marriage might not have involved sex.

The essay posted this week is part of a recent push by the Salt Lake City-based religion to explain or expand on sensitive issues within the faith, many of which are unflattering or uncomfortable to discuss.

Mormons don't practice polygamy today. Splinter groups who call themselves fundamentalist Mormons still practice plural marriage, including Warren Jeffs' faction.