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Jaded
They have a website at [www.thechurchofelias.com] where information can be requested.
The church lives in Idaho, mostly in Pocatello. The prophet who started the church, John Michael Fletcher, died a few years ago. They receive direction from him, according to the website.
Few members. Counting only adults, less than 10 while the rest are children. The prophet's widow has had children since her husband died and has claimed to be impregnated by him in the spirit. There are other children that were fathered by the prophet, although this is not known by all members of the church.
Most members live off welfare or are supported by the new leader of their church. The widow will always be supported by them. The widow is kept under strict watch so that her family can not convince her to leave the group.
A temple is used that is in the same home as the prophet's widow and the children are taught all teachings of the church.
The church originated from Mormon doctrine and most, if not all, members have been excommunicated from that church.
The deceased prophet had a wife that divorced him because she did not believe the same and feared for the future of her children in the communal society he designed. He fled to Colorado, Utah, and Idaho states hiding to to avoid paying child support. His followers supported him for almost a decade before he passed away unexpectedly in Idaho where he is now buried. They expect him to be risen.
During the prophet's life he was jailed six months in Colorado for a sexual violation, although it is not clear what the charge was. It had something to with a woman he was preaching to that claimed he sexually molested her, or attempted. The church says it was fabricated. The ex-wife keeps herself distanted from the church but feels sorry for the widow because she doesn't seem to want to get away.
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moocow
Hello!
I have been fascinated with this group for a few years now. You see, the prophet's widow was a friend of mine, and I'm still struggling to understand what happened to her. I was the black sheep of my family, while she was an absolute angel, and then the next thing I know she has been swept off her feet to this madness. Or, maybe it's not complete madness...
You seem to have a good inside scoop on the situation. WHAT HAPPENED?? I heard rumors that she blind-dated the guy (John) and was married to him less than a week later. That is some pretty fancy footwork if it was brainwashing or whatever. And I thought that her parents had talked to the ex-wife a few times... enough to know that not everything was on the up and up with him.
I feel bad for her that he died, but she seems not to mind it at all...I guess he's supposed to be back (resurrected) sometime, so maybe that's why she's not upset. But he left her with three of his children and now she's due to have her 6th any time...and claims they're all his!
I just feel so bad, and helpless. Maybe I shouldn't feel that way, because she seems truly happy, but Like I said, I guess I'm confused.
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taffkid
Greetings,
I am seeking more information on the activities of the Church of Elias. It appears that the organization has, or is in the process of moving to Blackfoot, Idaho. The website for the church is registered to a James D. Armstrong who currently lives in Blackfoot and operates the Emergency Supply Depot in Blackfoot. I had the opportunity to speak to Armstrong. We did not discuss the church very much, but it seems that they are holding services in a room in the store as well as schooling children there.
Any information anyone can provide is appreciated. I am willing to speak off the board as well.
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JadedQuote
taffkid
Greetings,
I am seeking more information on the activities of the Church of Elias. It appears that the organization has, or is in the process of moving to Blackfoot, Idaho. The website for the church is registered to a James D. Armstrong who currently lives in Blackfoot and operates the Emergency Supply Depot in Blackfoot. I had the opportunity to speak to Armstrong. We did not discuss the church very much, but it seems that they are holding services in a room in the store as well as schooling children there.
Any information anyone can provide is appreciated. I am willing to speak off the board as well.
The children have always been home schooled.
The oldest child is 28, next is about 26. I think they went to public schools only in Arizona and Colorado. John's widow has taught them ever since.