Mayor of Polygamist Community Resigns
 
KSL TV Channel 5
 
The mayor of the region's best-known polygamist community has been forced out... by the religious leader who controls his town.

According to some observers, it's the latest development in an intense power struggle within the secretive border community of Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona.

The new twist was first reported in a copyrighted story in The Spectrum newspaper.

Fundamentalist prophet Warren Jeffs reportedly ousted 20 adult men from his church.

Among them was long-time Colorado City mayor Dan Barlow.

He was reportedly stripped of his priesthood... his wives and children... and his right to live in a church-owned house.

A lawyer for the church confirmed tonight that Barlow handed in his resignation as Mayor this afternoon.

Rod Parker - Attorney for Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: "I can confirm there were adjustments made in the church. The individuals involved accepted those adjustments."

But attorney Rod Parker says he doesn't know of any power struggle.

"I can confirm there were adjustments made in the church," he said. "The individuals involved accepted those adjustments."
 
KSL TV
Originally published Jan. 11, 2004
 
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