My first post anywhere as a former Mormon
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:05 am
Some of you may know me from all the various LDS fora and blogs I have posted on since the late 90s - from soup to nuts I have been on most major (and a few minor) boards from hyper-LDS to super-anti. Decided to join the fun here...
Note that while I have left the church, I can't leave it alone. I am not angry or bitter or hurt anymore, but the subject of the church and especially its culture will continue to fascinate me for the rest of my life - so I will continue to comment on it as I see fit. This also extends to my family: my brother and his family had the first discussions this past weekend and he called me for information and advice. I spent the better part of the drive from Las Vegas to the Cajon Pass talking with him and explaining things he wasn't sure of, or didn't understand. While I reminded him he had the final decision, I recommended that he and his family excuse themselves from further discussion. I heard from him tonight and they have decided not to continue the discussions and are going to continue to attend the Catholic church they have been attending for years.
Anyway, here is the letter I mailed Thursday 1/8:
ACTUS FORMALIS DEFECTIONIS AB ECCLESIA MORMONIA
To whom it may concern:
This letter shall serve as notification that I, (Phouchg), have resigned my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, effective January 9, 2009 – the twelfth anniversary of my LDS baptism and eleventh of my “endowment”.
I hereby withdraw my consent to being subject to church rules, policies, beliefs and discipline. I understand what you consider to be the consequences of my resignation. I am aware that the Church Handbook of Instructions states that my resignation cancels the effects of LDS baptism and confirmation, withdraws the so-called “priesthood”, revokes what you call “temple blessings” and that I may be "readmitted to the church by baptism only after a thorough interview".
I will not be dissuaded, and I will not change my mind. Therefore, I knowingly and intelligently waive the 30-day waiting period provided for in the Church Handbook of Instructions; as such, you shall immediately process my resignation by completely and permanently deleting all of my personal information from the membership records of your church. The only official contact I wish to receive is a mailed letter informing me that I am no longer a member of your church.
Phouchg
Phouchg's address
Note that while I have left the church, I can't leave it alone. I am not angry or bitter or hurt anymore, but the subject of the church and especially its culture will continue to fascinate me for the rest of my life - so I will continue to comment on it as I see fit. This also extends to my family: my brother and his family had the first discussions this past weekend and he called me for information and advice. I spent the better part of the drive from Las Vegas to the Cajon Pass talking with him and explaining things he wasn't sure of, or didn't understand. While I reminded him he had the final decision, I recommended that he and his family excuse themselves from further discussion. I heard from him tonight and they have decided not to continue the discussions and are going to continue to attend the Catholic church they have been attending for years.
Anyway, here is the letter I mailed Thursday 1/8:
ACTUS FORMALIS DEFECTIONIS AB ECCLESIA MORMONIA
To whom it may concern:
This letter shall serve as notification that I, (Phouchg), have resigned my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, effective January 9, 2009 – the twelfth anniversary of my LDS baptism and eleventh of my “endowment”.
I hereby withdraw my consent to being subject to church rules, policies, beliefs and discipline. I understand what you consider to be the consequences of my resignation. I am aware that the Church Handbook of Instructions states that my resignation cancels the effects of LDS baptism and confirmation, withdraws the so-called “priesthood”, revokes what you call “temple blessings” and that I may be "readmitted to the church by baptism only after a thorough interview".
I will not be dissuaded, and I will not change my mind. Therefore, I knowingly and intelligently waive the 30-day waiting period provided for in the Church Handbook of Instructions; as such, you shall immediately process my resignation by completely and permanently deleting all of my personal information from the membership records of your church. The only official contact I wish to receive is a mailed letter informing me that I am no longer a member of your church.
Phouchg
Phouchg's address
