My first post anywhere as a former Mormon

[_Phouchg]

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

[_Yoda]

Welcome to the board!

Have you heard anything back yet?

[_Gazelam]

Sorry to hear that you left. I hope you find your way back someday.

[_Pokatator]

I don't know from any of the other boards but I am glad to get to know you here.

Welcome and congratulations.

PS About your brother, I would rather be a Catholic than a Mormon.

[_Gadianton]

Phouch, I think I remember you. Congratulations on a fine decision. I am curious, has the apologetic front slowed your apostasy at all or has it answered any important questions you've had?

[_Phouchg]

This is a move I have been contemplating for several years (I have been on the zero-hour plan since 2005) but the Prop 8 shenanigans pushed me over the top.

The apologetic front has not slowed my apostasy, neither has it hastened it...most of my interaction with Mormons and Mormonism has been through boards and blogs for the past couple of years.

I would rather be a Catholic than a Mormon, too. In fact, I AM a Catholic since I was baptized as such as an infant. My path is more likely to be the Episcopal Church, but a return to the Church of Rome is definitely within the realm of possibility. Compare the depth of writings of the Holy Father to Tom Monson.

[_Phouchg]

Welcome to the board!

Have you heard anything back yet?

apparently word of my resignation has just started coursing through the Happy Fun 5th Ward gossip mill...my wife received two calls today from "concerned ward members".

The bishop (whom I have never met) is apparently a cool guy, because he is ready willing and able to process this resignation with dispatch and without judgment.

[_Gadianton]

They are only concerned because they think to themselves, "hey, how can that guy dare not believe it when I swallow it hook, line, and sinker?"

[_harmony]

Fook!!!!! Welcome! My gosh, and my goodness... how are ya!

[_Mercury]

Welcome into the real world. I have been out for over 3 years now. Best decision I ever made.