Joseph Smith polygamy evidence expected to be published

New evidence regarding the polygamy practices of Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is expected to be published soon. While the Utah-based church previously acknowledged that Smith married multiple wives in an official essay, a new movement of denialists within the faith claims there is insufficient documentation to prove marriages beyond his wife, Emma Hale Smith.

The current controversy focuses heavily on the diaries of William Clayton, who served as a secretary and scribe to Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois. Historians note that this resurgence of debate may be driven by a modern, generalized suspicion of institutions. Although many details regarding Smith's reported 30-plus wives have been known to historians for years, the upcoming publication of records related to Clayton's diaries is expected to provide further insight into the matter.