The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), a fundamentalist Mormon sect, is in the news often lately, and it makes me uneasy. I keep thinking about another splinter group of a… well, shall we say not exactly mainline Protestant denomination and their destruction in Waco about 12 years ago.

I understand that we have freedom of religion in this country, but when religious practice involves possible statutory rape and incest, what do we do? Waco proved we have to tread carefully, but what I’ve read of FDLS has me convinced that terrible things are happening to women and children in that sect.

Dr. Phil recently covered the sect on his show and plans a follow-up for Tuesday, May 24. A Current Affair also presented a somewhat sensationalized story on the FDLS.

Read more about FDLS in the news:

• FLDS added to list of hate groups
• Power briefly cut off to family fighting FLDS for Hildale home
• FLDS runaways speak out on Dr. Phil show
• Texas Town Wary of Polygamist Sect’s Arrival