Rival polygamist won't lead church following leader's arrest

The leader of a rival polygamist commune says he has no plans to take overWarren Jeffs's churchin B.C. followingJeffs's arrest in Nevada.

Winston Blackmore was a bishop with U.S.-based Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saintsuntil several years ago, when a falling out with Jeffs led to his excommunication.

The sect, a group of self-described "fundamentalist Mormons," includes the 1,000-member community of Bountiful near Creston, B.C. That communitywas headed by Blackmore, who has more than 20 wives and at least 103 children.

Some of its memberssplit to form another commune with Blackmore following his excommunication.

Jeffs has been the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since 2002. In May,the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation added him to its10 Most Wanted List and offered a reward of$100,000for information leading to his arrest.

He was arrested by Nevada state troopers on Monday night oncharges ofsexual misconduct for allegedly arranging marriages between underage girls and older men.

In an interview with CBC News, Blackmore said he has "absolutely no interest" in resuming his role as leader of theBountiful commune.

"All I'm really interested in doing is continuing to have my family and to enjoy them and to enjoy our lives that we've found that we never had," he said.

Blackmore also criticized Jeffsfor departing from the fundamentals of the faith, sayingJeffs had created a new religion, written new books and created new teachings.

"You know, I think the day of reckoning has come," Blackmore said of Jeffs's arrest.

B.C's attorney general said Blackmore continues to be under investigation for polygamist practices in Bountiful.

However, Blackmore continues to defend his unusual family arrangement.

"We are what we are andI was born what I am," hesaid.