The Righteous Work

The Righteous Work of the True Firstborn of Zion, also known simply as "the Righteous Work" or "the Work", was a polygamous Mormon fundamentalist cult in the United States. It was led by Joshua Brenton as "President and Prophet" until his murder, then by his son Gabriel Brenton until his death in Federal custody. The Work lived in isolation, often relocating, and its leaders controlled the lives of its members and especially women. Apocalyptic in their beliefs, their leaders foresaw a conflict with the "Gentiles" (outside world) and stockpiled guns and other weapons in preparation, even networking with far-right extremist groups to obtain them. Eliza Strong was an adolescent member who killed Joshua Brenton in retaliation for his raping one of her friends; she then entered the Witness Protection Program, changing her name to Jennifer Brooks. Gabriel Brenton sent a team of assassins to kill her, but they were decoyed to a compound set up by Deputy US Marshal Harmon Griffin, and the Work's compound in northern Mexico was raided the same day that the would-be assassins were apprehended. Gabriel Brenton would die in Federal custody of an apparent allergic reaction; with no appointed successor, it is assumed that the Work collapsed soon thereafter.
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