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Utah Judge Orders Sale of Supposed Temple Site By FLDS Trust

By Howard M. Friedman

In a state trial court in Utah yesterday, Judge Denise Lindberg issued an order for the sale of Berry Knoll Farm by the United Effort Plan Trust which holds property that belonged to the FLDS Church. FLDS Church members, many in polygamous relationships, as well as some who are no longer members, live on the land. The Merced (CA) Sun-Star reports that the controversial order was issued because the trust-- now under court supervision-- has nearly $3 million in debt with no income stream to provide for payment. The order gave court-appointed special fiduciary Bruce Wisan authority to seek bids and complete the sale. Traditional FLDS members oppose the sale because they believe Berry Knoll is a sacred site on which a future temple is to be built. (Background.) Last month, the same court rejected a settlement proposed by Utah's Attorney General in the complicated attempt to reform the UEP Trust. (See prior posting.)

Full post as published by Religion Clause on August 25, 2009 (boomark / email).