Editor's note: This story contains a description of child abuse.
Naomi Wright grew up with a father who practiced and preached polygamy. She has grown and healed from her traumatic upbringing and now runs a nonprofit called Be Emboldened that helps support people who have experienced religious abuse. Wright is pictured here in Waco, Texas, in April 2024.
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Booklets containing one of William Branham’s most controversial sermons, Marriage and Divorce, are seen at Voice of God Recordings’ production facility Jan. 15, 2024, in Jeffersonville, Ind. In the sermon, Branham preaches that a man can remarry many times as long as his new wife is a virgin, but women can never remarry. Branham, a ‘50s-era healing revivalist who was believed to be a prophet, died in 1965 but has millions of followers to this day.
In this 1994 Martinsville Bulletin file photo, Sabrina Simpkins and Elwood Gallimore cut their wedding cake. Gallimore stayed married to his wife of 26 years while simultaneously “marrying” Simpkins when she was 16.
In this 1994 Martinsville Bulletin file photo, the Rev. Buddy Crotts of Axton officiates as the Rev. Elwood Gallimore puts the ring on Sabrina Simpkins's finger. Gallimore stayed married to his wife of 26 years while simultaneously “marrying” Simpkins when she was 16.
Rev. William Branham
Naomi Wright grew up with a father who practiced and preached polygamy. She has grown and healed from her traumatic upbringing and now runs a nonprofit called Be Emboldened that helps support people who have experienced religious abuse. Wright is pictured here in Waco, Texas, in April 2024.
In this 1993 Bulletin file photo, Sabrina Simpkins, center, and Janice Gallimore — Elwood Gallimore's two "wives" — talk to the media during the lunch break from court.
Rev. William Branham and his wife Meda Branham. Branham married Meda after his first wife, Amelia, died in 1937. He did not practice or support polygamy.
Naomi Wright grew up with a father who practiced and preached polygamy. She has grown and healed from her traumatic upbringing and now runs a nonprofit called Be Emboldened that helps support people who have experienced religious abuse. Wright is pictured here in Waco, Texas, in April 2024.
In this 1994 Bulletin file photo, wedding guests pelt Sabrina and Elwood Gallimore with birdseed as they leave the reception.
In this 1993 photo, Elwood Gallimore poses with Sabrina Simpkins, 16, and Janice Gallimore, 42, whom he called his wives.
In this 1993 Bulletin file photo, Gallimore and wife Janice (concealed behind coat) leave services.
Contact reporter Emily Hamer at emily.hamer@lee.net or 262-844-4151. On Twitter: @ehamer7
Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @timothysteller
