To remove or not remove?

[_Who Knows]

For the ex/anti/former - mos out there. Why have, or haven't, you had your name removed from the church?

I'm currently debating this right now. We recently moved homes, but we're still in utah county. Though it's not a big deal, it's slightly annoying that people ask us about church, or make comments about church, and i'm not able to say "we're not members of the LDS church". For now, we just have to say something like "we don't go to church any more".

Or, the bishop - i feel like he already knows a lot about us (since he's talked to our former bishop). I find that slightly annoying.

Wouldn't it be much better/easier to just simply say "we're not Mormons"? Right now, it's like we have to explain why we don't go to church any more.

What do ya'll think? Why haven't some of you evil apostates had your names removed?

For those with your names removed - what are the cons? The only one i can think of is causing my parents heartache (since i know they'll see it when they get their member records at tithing settlement time).

[_The Dude]

Do you still live in my hometown? ;)

I think Mormons are the only people who would attach great significance to name removal, and since I don't live near any Mormons, I don't think anybody except my parents and siblings would even care. But it would cause them heartache, like you mentioned, so I haven't done it. We have a good understanding at this point.

Though it's not a big deal, it's slightly annoying that people ask us about church, or make comments about church, and i'm not able to say "we're not members of the LDS church". For now, we just have to say something like "we don't go to church any more".

What you are saying does sound kind of wishy washy. They'll sign you up for home teachers ASAP. I would just say "we don't believe in religion anymore," because then it isn't about Mormonism per se, and they might not feel quite as offended.

[_Hally McIlrath]

Why haven't some of you evil apostates had your names removed?

I haven't had my name removed. I almost did, because I had just moved back from England, where I didn't see a single missionary or Mormon for three straight years, and I was afraid my granny was going to have them sent over to my house again. She had done this many times before, and while I know she meant well, it was ultimately a waste of time for all involved.

That's how I even found the world of internet exMormonism in the first place; I googled "resigning from the LDS church" and found the RfM board.

Anyway, boring story short, no one has been around to insist I pray about my decision to no longer attend church, and so I haven't resigned. Plus, most people report it being a long, bureaucratic odyssey, and life is just too short for that. I don't really think about my status; I've left the church behind, and I am happier than ever. But technically...I'm still a member.

[_Scottie]

I still keep my name on the membership roles because I might want to start a business in Utah County someday. And, disgusting as it is, Mormons are more likely to shop at a Mormon owned store. And Mormons are more apt to do business with a Mormon. So, I can at least say, "Yep, I'm a Mormon."

[_Who Knows]

Do you still live in my hometown? ;)

Yep! Same school for the kids even. The Mormon thing aside, we really like this place. Like i said, it's only slightly annoying sometimes.

...since I don't live near any Mormons...

That's probably the key. All your neighbors probably aren't LDS. you probably don't see the bishop when you're taking a walk around the block with the kids.

no one has been around to insist I pray about my decision to no longer attend church, and so I haven't resigned.

I take it you don't live in utah? edit - ah, yes, east coast. you're in the same boat as the dude.

Any apostate utahn's out there, who haven't had their names removed?

[_Who Knows]

I still keep my name on the membership roles because I might want to start a business in Utah County someday. And, disgusting as it is, Mormons are more likely to shop at a Mormon owned store. And Mormons are more apt to do business with a Mormon. So, I can at least say, "Yep, I'm a Mormon."

Are you serious? That's pretty shady dude.

[_Dr. Shades]

Are you serious? That's pretty shady dude.

Maybe, but it's pretty shady to ask in the first place, wouldn't you say?

(He's just playing their own game with them is all.)

[_Who Knows]

Are you serious? That's pretty shady dude.

Maybe, but it's pretty shady to ask in the first place, wouldn't you say?

(He's just playing their own game with them is all.)

Totally agree - it shouldn't even be an issue at all.

Utah county won't change though, unless we apostates stand up for ourselves. My wife works with a lot of people within the community (in a couple of different roles), and she's openly 'non-lds'. Hasn't had any problems at all. In fact, there's more of 'us' out there than most people probably know...

[_antishock8]

I had my named removed. I felt it was an integrity thing. If I no longer believed I should no longer have a membership in that organization.

[_gramps]

I finally resigned formally, after more than 20 years. I just wanted it complete. I gave myself a birthday present two years ago.

I waited until my mother died. I don't think my father knows. It is probably better that way.

One thing that is nice: when someone asks me if I am Mormon, I have two choices, as I see it.

I can say 'no' and play it from there.

Or I can say 'yes, genetically, so to speak.'

I have fun with both answers.

Good to see you on the board again, by the way.