Founded:

1984

Founder:

Arvin G. Shreeve

Alternate Name:

Zion Society

The Sisterhood

The Company

Headquarters:

near Ogden, Utah

Membership:

60-100 at one time

About:

• "In the Zion Society case, approximately 100 people claimed membership in a 'secret society' governed by self proclaimed prophet Arvin Shreeve. Shreeve taught that women should be involved sexually with each other and with Shreeve who was considered by them to be their eternal companion. Shreeve further taught that the children living in the group were to be sexually involved as well. Shreeve taught that he received daily revelation regarding the group's physical, spiritual and sexual needs. The group lived in ten neighboring homes. They home taught their children and operated in a 'survivalist attitude' regarding food storage, etc. Eventually, 12 adults were charged with felony crimes regarding the sexual abuse of children. All 12 were convicted and sentenced. The most serious offenders, Arvin Shreeve and Sharon Kapp are respectively serving 2o years and 10 years to life sentences in the Utah State Prison" (King and Jacobson, p. 3)

   

• It is believed at after Shreeve's conviction, some of his wives joined with the True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days and became wives of James D. Harmston.

• I have placed this in defunct status, as Shreeve is now deceased; however, some following may still exist. More information is needed.

Further Information:

• DeVoy, Beverly. "3 Women in Group Will Face Separate Sex-Abuse Trials." Deseret News. October 30, 1991

• King, Lt. Michael R. and Lt. Matt Jacobson. Ritual Crime in the State of Utah: Investigation, Analysis, and a Look Forward (Salt Lake City: Attorney General’s Office, 1995).

• "Prisoner Says She Acted as Scapegoat for Cult." Deseret News. March 12, 1995, p. B5.

• "N. Ogden Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Count Involving Girl." Deseret News. June 25, 1992.

• Quinn, Tom. "Cultist Seeks New Trial in Child Abuse Case." Salt Lake Tribune. March 12, 1995, p. C2.

• "Sentencing Delayed for Man Charged in Polygamist Sex Case." Deseret News. February 15, 1992.

• Whitehurst, Lindsay. "Polygamous Sect Leader Dies in State Prison." The Salt Lake Tribune. August 12, 2009.

• Wright, Lynda. "A Prophet and His 'Sisters:' Charges of Lesbianism and Child Abuse." Newsweek. August 19, 1991, p. 23.

• YouTube video (criticism)

• Yu, Charisse. "Ex-polygamy Cult Member Shares Tale of Sex, Control." 10News.com (San Diego), 2008.