UTAH
Deseret Morning News
By Ben Winslow
Deseret Morning News
Warren Jeffs seemed to know that law enforcement was closing in on the Fundamentalist LDS Church.
Warren Jeffs "In the last moments ... the final preparation ... the storm clouds are gathering against us," he said in a secretly recorded priesthood sermon obtained by the Deseret Morning News. "Only the Lord can protect us from the trials ahead."
In the Aug. 10, 2003, Sunday meeting recorded by a member shortly before the member was excommunicated, Jeffs railed against "sinners" within his flock. Later that day, Jeffs addressed his entire congregation in Hildale and cancelled church meetings. Within months, dozens were purged from FLDS ranks.