Doctrines and practices

The AUB regards the Book of Mormon as sacred scripture in addition to the Bible, and accepts the Articles of Faith written by Joseph Smith to summarize Latter Day Saint beliefs. The AUB teaches that the LDS Church is still fulfilling a divine role in spreading the Book of Mormon and other basic doctrines of Mormonism, and in facilitating genealogy.

Members of the AUB are known for their belief in plural marriage. Other key beliefs include the United Order, the Adam–God doctrine, the exclusion of Blacks from priesthood and what is commonly called the "1886 Meeting". While not all members take part in plural marriage, it is considered a crucial step in the quest for obtaining the highest glory of heaven.