# Resignation from Mormonism (sorry it's long) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 6, 2010, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662 "2010-11-06T02:48:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2010, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/62 "2010-11-08T21:06:46Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > I and three of my friends got together in our senior year of high school and sent a letter to the Vatican asking to be officially excommunicated. We never got an answer. Huh. How’s your Latin? ---
**Author:** ![rocknrhodes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f04885/32.png) [@rocknrhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocknrhodes)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/63 "2010-11-09T03:58:25Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > First. let me also offer my congratulations. It is encouraging to see an excellent example of reason carried through. Let me also compliment you on your excellent choice of an intelligent and logical wife… Why thank you, good sir! I am the elusive “wife” referred to by Rhodes, and this is my debut post on SDMB. The last year has been quite a journey for our little family. It has not been easy. Many of our family and friends have, and continue to, struggle a great deal with our decision to leave the church. It is so nice to have a community that is supportive and understanding of our apostasy. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhodes/32/273_2.png) [@Rhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhodes)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/64 "2010-11-09T04:01:53Z")
Welcome to the Dope, **rockn**! Now you know where I’ve learned all my useless trivia. ---
**Author:** ![Dogzilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@Dogzilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogzilla)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/65 "2010-11-09T13:40:58Z")
> [@rocknrhodes](#): > > Why thank you, good sir! I am the elusive “wife” referred to by Rhodes, and this is my debut post on SDMB. The last year has been quite a journey for our little family. It has not been easy. Many of our family and friends have, and continue to, struggle a great deal with our decision to leave the church. It is so nice to have a community that is supportive and understanding of our apostasy. There is an online support community for exmormons and those who are thinking of leaving the church. You are both [cordially invited.](http://www.postmormon.org/) Welcome to Outer Darkness! 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/66 "2010-11-09T13:57:06Z")
> [@rocknrhodes](#): > > Why thank you, good sir! I am the elusive “wife” referred to by Rhodes, and this is my debut post on SDMB. The last year has been quite a journey for our little family. It has not been easy. Many of our family and friends have, and continue to, struggle a great deal with our decision to leave the church. It is so nice to have a community that is supportive and understanding of our apostasy. Welcome to the Dope. Um, did **Rhodes** happen to mention that little thing about new members and the squid? And you thought the temple interview was tough. . . Seriously, I’m really glad that you two are on the same page. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/67 "2010-11-09T14:35:43Z")
Just popping back in to ask if you two have left the church what will you do for guidance in your lives now? Back as Mormons, then you could have the great wisdom of the General Authorities (the top leadership). Men like [Paul Dunn](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_H._Dunn#Scandal) and [Gene R. Cook,](http://www.moroni10.com/Cook_meets_Jagger.html) the man who put Mick Jagger in his place. > [@](#): > > How many of you have heard of Mick Jagger? I think almost everyone has as he is one of the most famous rock stars in the world. Well, you might be surprised to know that I had about 2 and half hours with him on an airplane and it was quite an experience. I’m going to relate part of that to you to try to illustrate this important point about selecting wholesome music. > …What do you think is the impact of your music on the young people? He said, “Our music is calculated to drive the kids to sex.” If you want a laugh, read the article in the link. Remember, this was one of the men personally called by the prophet of the Lord to guide us in righteousness, and he’s going to do it by making up stories of meeting rock stars on planes. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/68 "2010-11-09T15:03:02Z")
Welcome to the Dope! It’s good to have you. Watch out for that corner over there. It’s dangerous. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/69 "2010-11-09T15:21:20Z")
> [@Dogzilla](#): > > There is an online support community for exmormons and those who are thinking of leaving the church. You are both [cordially invited.](http://www.postmormon.org/) > > Welcome to Outer Darkness! 🆒 If you do visit that website, [this](http://www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/magazine/pmm_article_full_text/why_i_am_a_better_mother/#1757) is a beautiful article. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhodes/32/273_2.png) [@Rhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhodes)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/70 "2010-11-09T15:33:05Z")
> [@TokyoPlayer](#): > > Remember, this was one of the men personally called by the prophet of the Lord to guide us in righteousness, and he’s going to do it by making up stories of meeting rock stars on planes. I first heard that story in sunday school 19 years ago when I was young and gullible, but I thought the protagonist was an apostle. Even then, I figured Mick was being sarcastic. Everyone knows that the Stones’ music is calculated to make people buy Rolling Stones albums. I introduced my inactive kid brother to Cook. Cook wanted to meet with the inactives in my singles’ ward, and I was on the list because I’d been dozing off in Sunday school. He made a huge impression on my brother. My bro is now in a bishopric, and is the nut who flew to TX to try to save my soul. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhodes/32/273_2.png) [@Rhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhodes)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2010, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/71 "2010-11-09T15:37:46Z")
> [@Ann\_Onimous](#): > > If you do visit that website, [this](http://www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/magazine/pmm_article_full_text/why_i_am_a_better_mother/#1757) is a beautiful article. I like that. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2010, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/72 "2010-11-10T17:38:14Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > however, I do find it humorous when Protestants, or members of the various other flavors of Christianity popular in America, deride Mormons as though theirs, with its more than 2000 years of nonsensical wackyness, is somehow superior. Hey, we’ve at least got no problem with people drinking coffee. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [November 10, 2010, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/73 "2010-11-10T17:55:41Z")
> [@gonzomax](#): > > I and three of my friends got together in our senior year of high school and sent a letter to the Vatican asking to be officially excommunicated. We never got an answer. Heh. I haven’t set foot in a Catholic church since 2002 or so, and I’m still getting _NC Catholic_. I can’t figure out who’s covering the subscription. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhodes/32/273_2.png) [@Rhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhodes)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/74 "2010-11-14T01:06:31Z")
> [@The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints](#): > > MEMBER AND STATISTICAL RECORDS DIVISION > 50 East North Temple Street > Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-1010 > > November 11, 2010 > > [My Full Name] > [My Address] > [My Town], Texas > > Dear Brother and Sister [My Last Name]: > > I have been asked to acknowledge your recent letter in which you request that your family’s names be removed from the membership records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. > > I have also been asked to inform you that the Church considers such a request to be an ecclesiastical matter that must be handled by local priesthood leaders before being processed by Church employees. Therefore, your letter and a copy of this reply are being sent to President [My New Stake President (looks like the presidency has changed and my email was cc’d to the wrong guy)] of the [My Stake] Stake. He will have Bishop [My Bishop] of the [My Ward] Ward contact you concerning the fulfillment of your request. > > In view of the eternal consequences of such an action, the Brethren urge you to reconsider your request and to prayerfully consider the enclosed statement of the First Presidency. > > Sincerely, > > Gregory W. Dodge > Manager, Manager and Statistical Records > > Enclosure And a glossy brochure: > [@](#): > > AN INVITATION > > FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY > OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF > LATTER-DAY SAINTS > > _An Invitation to Come Back_ > > We reach out to members of the Church throughout the world in a spirit of love and brotherhood inspired by the Lord Jesus Christ. > > Our interest and concern are always with the individual man or woman, boy or girl. Our great responsibility is to see that each is “remembered and nourished by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4). If any have been offended, we are sorry. Our only desire is to cultivate a spirit of mercy and kindness, of understanding and healing. We seek to follow the example of our Lord, who “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). > > * * * > > _Come back. Stand with us._ > _Feast at the table laid before you in_ > _The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-_ > _day Saints and strive to follow the_ > _Good Shepherd._ > _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\__ > > To you who for any reason find yourselves outside the embrace of the Church, we say come back. We invite you to return and partake of the happiness you once knew. You will find many with outstretched arms to welcome you, assist you, and give you confort. > > The Church needs your strength, love, loyalty, and devotion. The course is fixed and certain by which a person may return to the full blessings of Church membership, and we stand ready to receive all who wish to do so. > > Sincerely yours, > > Thomas S. Monson > Henry B. Eyring > Dieder F. Uchtdorf > > The First Presidency Not quite the final letter I had hoped for. This is what is supposed to happen when you send your resignation directly to HQ, which is why I sent my initial letter to the Bishop’s home address. And I did cc HQ in my email follow-up. (Note: I assume that it is kosher to directly quote something that was mailed to me from the copyright holder. Mods, if that wasn’t legal then please remove the quoted brochure from this post) ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/75 "2010-11-14T03:06:15Z")
Sounds like they want to run you around for a bit, to be honest. ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/76 "2010-11-14T03:12:18Z")
Join us, Homer. It’s _bliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssssssssssssss_. ---
**Author:** ![Bartman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@Bartman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bartman)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/77 "2010-11-14T05:29:02Z")
Well good on ya both. Sorry you are getting the run around. But the church isn’t quite as bad as AOL, you’ll eventually be allowed to resign. 😉 I have to admit I have been far lazier and just kinda disappeared instead of resigning when I left. Fortunately for me my mom noticed my records hadn’t been updated, and made sure my membership was moved to my current ward. Thanks mom. :rolleyes: And thanks to whomever showed her my supposedly private membership records. And another big thanks to my brother the bishop who called the local bishop to give him pointers on how to re-activate me. Fortunately I didn’t have any history with the local ward, so when members came by I was able to convince them to leave me alone pretty easily. I still haven’t officially come out to my family, so I just get the guilt trip for being a bad Mormon. I can’t imagine what it would be like to actually quit the church. I would include you in my prayers if I still said them, or believed there was anyone answering. So you’ll have to make do with my good wishes. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/78 "2010-11-14T07:28:44Z")
> [@Rhodes](#): > > Not quite the final letter I had hoped for. This is what is supposed to happen when you send your resignation directly to HQ, which is why I sent my initial letter to the Bishop’s home address. And I did cc HQ in my email follow-up. Remind your bishop that there is no need for waiting. Also, ask to be called “Mr. and Mrs.” not “Brother and Sister.” You have officially already left the church the moment you resigned. Remember this exercise is simply to have them follow your constitutional rights. Assholes. Thank god (not literally) that there is a civil government to provide a check to religion. If it weren’t for lawsuits and the threat of lawsuits, they would never have acknowledged people’s right to resign. If they give you more of a run around, ask them if it would be quicker if you have legal counsel pursue this. I wonder if the ACLU would be interested in helping develop a precedence for expediency in the process. I’d love to see the Mormons defend this shit. Your bishop should be thanking his god that it’s you and not me he’s dealing with. You sound like a much nicer guy. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/79 "2010-11-14T07:46:32Z")
> [@TokyoPlayer](#): > > I’d love to see the Mormons defend this shit. Your bishop should be thanking his god that it’s you and not me he’s dealing with. You sound like a much nicer guy. Well, he [del]_is[/del] was_ a Mormon. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Condescending\_Robot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a183cd/32.png) [@Condescending\_Robot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Condescending_Robot)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/80 "2010-11-14T08:17:01Z")
> [@dhkendall](#): > > The Mormons and JWs I know (personally, not counting those that come to my door) are decent people who merely belong to a church/religion that believes some non-decent things. “Decent” people do not donate 10% of their income to a church fund that is used to wage war on sexual minorities, champ. Your friends are garbage no matter how many cookies they bake for you. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2010, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662/81 "2010-11-14T12:51:23Z")
Don’t be upset, Rhodes. They send that letter to everyone. it means you’re almost out! > [@Condescending\_Robot](#): > > “Decent” people do not donate 10% of their income to a church fund that is used to wage war on sexual minorities, champ. Your friends are garbage no matter how many cookies they bake for you. Uh, garbage? So every Catholic and every Muslim in the world is also garbage because their religions support morally egregious positions? By your standards there are about 150,000 non-garbage people in the world. And some of those are robots. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resignation-from-mormonism-sorry-its-long/559662.md?page=5)