I Ex Mormon And Proud
June 19, 2014
(Got the confirmation letter back August 25, 2014)
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is my formal resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and it is effective immediately. I hereby withdraw my consent to being treated as a member and I withdraw my consent to being subject to church rules, policies, beliefs and 'discipline'. As I am no longer a member, I want my name permanently and completely removed from the membership rolls of the church.
I have given this matter considerable thought. I understand what the church consider the 'seriousness' and the 'consequences' of my actions. I am aware that the church handbook says that my resignation "cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member and revokes temple blessings" I also understand that I will be "readmitted to the church by baptism only after a thorough interview". (Quotes from the current Church Handbook of Instructions.)
My resignation should be processed immediately, without any 'waiting periods'. I am not going to be dissuaded and I am not going to change my mind.
I expect this matter to be handled promptly, with respect and with full confidentiality.
After today, the only contact I want from the church is a single letter of confirmation to let me know that I am no longer listed as a member of the church. Correspondence with specific persons / members that I initialize or solicit are excluded from this stipulation.
Censure:
Surely, God’s church would be ahead of society, not behind. – President Hinckley claimed, “The church does not become involved in politics.” (Larry King Live) If spending large sums of money to support anti-gay and anti-civil rights legislation is not “getting involved in politics,” then what is? Only after being bombarded by a media storms and torrential outcries of thousands if not millions, the tone changed. Sure, the church is staying current with public relations, but that only goes to show how uninspired and unprepared the church actually is. This generates a huge lack of confidence in the general authorities who are supposedly the mortal mouthpieces of God.
While we are on the topic, are we not all children of the same God? Are we not all created in his perfect image? Did we fight and win a war in heaven condoning the gift of agency? Why then would the church get involved politically in something that limits or removes agency from a group of persons? Regardless of the way the church or its members personally feel about homosexuality, the church’s $25 Million US Dollar endorsement for Proposition 8 (in California) sounds eerily similar to “Satan’s plan” because it removes a choice to be happily married and enjoy the same legal benefits at heterosexuals.
The issue of agency aside, who, honestly, would choose to be gay (especially gay in an LDS environment)? No one would choose that, but a tiger cannot change its strips can it? Tigers are tigers as much as people are people or as much as someone who is homosexual cannot, and will never be, heterosexual (vice versa). By asking homosexual members to live alone for their entire life is like asking them to irreparably harm their psyche and sense of self. Does the church honestly think that God in his infinite wisdom and knowledge, would willingly create humans to live a life of complete misery? “Men are that they might have joy.” (2NEPHI 2:25) – Not misery.
Article of Faith 12 states: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” (Smith, Article of Faith 12) Unfortunately, the church’s actions prove that they would rather influence the laws, or financially dissuade any that they find disagreeable. These types of actions only deprive humans of their natural rights, which are protected by the United States Bill of Rights.
In addition, the very mention of homosexuality cannot be found in the three uniquely Mormon religious cannon: the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants (also known as D&C), or the Pearl of Great Price. That coupled with Article of Faith 8: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” (Smith, Article of Faith 8) As well as Article of Faith 9: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” (Smith, Article of Faith 9) Lead me to believe that the current view of “homosexual activity”, marriage, or homosexuality in general, may not have a much merit as the church believes it has.
It has been my experience; spiritually the Mormon Church is dead. The meetings do not nourish my spirit, but rather pile on the guilt. The lesson manuals are uniformly boring and written at a very rudimentary level. They do not address the spiritual and intellectual needs of lifelong members – there is no depth, it is all superficial. It is as if the current church believes that the glory of God is strict obedience to outdated paradigms.
Jesus spent his valuable time in the midst of the sinners, the sick, the oppressed, and the downtrodden. He regularly condemned the religious hypocrites of the time; casting out moneychangers, and Pharisees. Christ’s example was one of understanding and compassion; “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone” (John 8:7) … “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” (John 8:11). In essence, he taught that church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum of saints. Why then are so many members unwelcoming and judgmental of those who are different, or those that suffer with addictions, or those with unpleasing appearances, etc.
Are the saints not taught, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2). Yet, there are so many unfeeling hearts within the ward culture. Other times, there have been wards that try their hardest to be welcoming, and caring. However, my LDS ward experience (having moved over 16 times in Utah) has generally been cold. – A house of hypocrites that save face, but utterly fail at practicing what they preach.
The word of God is in essence eternal truth, right? Why then do so many policies, procedures, and publications change almost entirely (including the church's stance on marriage)? – Perhaps they change so often because they were outdated designs of fallible mortals. The leaders / general authority are just human after all, which contrasts darkly to the picture painted by so many members, bishops, etc. However, I am not looking for perfection, that is a mortal impossibility, but I am looking for genuine people who can admit when they are / were wrong.
Financially, how can the church afford a $1.5 Billion US Dollar mall in Salt Lake City, while there are adults, and children (our brothers and sisters) dying of hunger and thirst everywhere in the world? I believe in generating income, being resourceful, reliable, and responsible (meaning I generally support having additional sources of income), but I am appalled that the church would fund something so “worldly”.
The churches lack of transparency with its income and spending habits is also disconcerting. Sure, we often see that humanitarian aid is sent around the world when disaster strikes; I have even contributed to that noble cause myself, but how much could the church be doing? – Especially with $1,500,000,000 US Dollars. How about the homeless, starving, hungry, and destitute without families anywhere from the United States to Uruguay? What about the single parent family that is about to lose their home to foreclosure? – there are so many people in need, and so many worthy projects to pursue (clean drinking water in third world countries, community gardens, etc.).
I am not lacking a faith in God, just confidence in the ability of the LDS church to adequately convey God’s will toward humankind. I know the church has been good influence in the world, and that the church tries to do what it thinks is best; however, I do not believe that the local leaders or the general authorities have the best interests of God’s children at heart, and that saddens me greatly.
Brigham Young, Second President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self security. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (Discourses of Brigham Young)
It is impossible to express the depth of my feeling, the pain, joy, sadness, love, and so many other emotions I have felt while being a member of the church. I do not regret my upbringing or my decision to leave. I realize God infinitely understands and loves all his children, regardless of circumstance -- " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28).
I too sadly share Diane Bass’ sentiment: “My favorite scripture has always been, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ (Psalm 46:1) I truly have found refuge in my Lord but I have to sadly tell you that I have not found refuge in my church.” (Bass). I just wish that the church was more like God, or followed Jesus’ example a little more closely. I would not be honest with my soul if I stayed a member, for I have been in God’s divine presence and understand more completely than I once did.
With Heavy Heart,
Spencer Carter
Bibliography:
Bass, Diane. The First Thing My Mom Did When She Learned I Was Gay... and the 'Miracle' That Occurred After . n.d. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lance-bass/the-first-thing-my-mom-di_b_4556471.html>.
(Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 135.)
"John 10:27-28." The Holy Bible KJV.
"John 8:11." The Holy Bible KJV.
"John 8:7." The Holy Bible KJV.
“Larry King Live” “Gordon Hinckley: Distinguished Religious Leader of the Mormons”. CNN News, Aired September 8, 1998—9:00 p.m. ET <http://www.lds-mormon.com/lkl_00.shtml>
"Matthew 7:1-2." The Holy Bible KJV.
"Psalm 46:1." The Holly Bible KJV.
Smith, Joseph. "Article of Faith 12." Smith, Joseph. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Smith, Joseph. "Article of Faith 8." Smith, Joseph. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Smith, Joseph. "Article of Faith 9." Smith, Joseph. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
"The Book of Mormon." 2 Nephi 2:25. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
(Got the confirmation letter back August 25, 2014)
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is my formal resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and it is effective immediately. I hereby withdraw my consent to being treated as a member and I withdraw my consent to being subject to church rules, policies, beliefs and 'discipline'. As I am no longer a member, I want my name permanently and completely removed from the membership rolls of the church.
I have given this matter considerable thought. I understand what the church consider the 'seriousness' and the 'consequences' of my actions. I am aware that the church handbook says that my resignation "cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member and revokes temple blessings" I also understand that I will be "readmitted to the church by baptism only after a thorough interview". (Quotes from the current Church Handbook of Instructions.)
My resignation should be processed immediately, without any 'waiting periods'. I am not going to be dissuaded and I am not going to change my mind.
I expect this matter to be handled promptly, with respect and with full confidentiality.
After today, the only contact I want from the church is a single letter of confirmation to let me know that I am no longer listed as a member of the church. Correspondence with specific persons / members that I initialize or solicit are excluded from this stipulation.
Censure:
Surely, God’s church would be ahead of society, not behind. – President Hinckley claimed, “The church does not become involved in politics.” (Larry King Live) If spending large sums of money to support anti-gay and anti-civil rights legislation is not “getting involved in politics,” then what is? Only after being bombarded by a media storms and torrential outcries of thousands if not millions, the tone changed. Sure, the church is staying current with public relations, but that only goes to show how uninspired and unprepared the church actually is. This generates a huge lack of confidence in the general authorities who are supposedly the mortal mouthpieces of God.
While we are on the topic, are we not all children of the same God? Are we not all created in his perfect image? Did we fight and win a war in heaven condoning the gift of agency? Why then would the church get involved politically in something that limits or removes agency from a group of persons? Regardless of the way the church or its members personally feel about homosexuality, the church’s $25 Million US Dollar endorsement for Proposition 8 (in California) sounds eerily similar to “Satan’s plan” because it removes a choice to be happily married and enjoy the same legal benefits at heterosexuals.
The issue of agency aside, who, honestly, would choose to be gay (especially gay in an LDS environment)? No one would choose that, but a tiger cannot change its strips can it? Tigers are tigers as much as people are people or as much as someone who is homosexual cannot, and will never be, heterosexual (vice versa). By asking homosexual members to live alone for their entire life is like asking them to irreparably harm their psyche and sense of self. Does the church honestly think that God in his infinite wisdom and knowledge, would willingly create humans to live a life of complete misery? “Men are that they might have joy.” (2NEPHI 2:25) – Not misery.
Article of Faith 12 states: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” (Smith, Article of Faith 12) Unfortunately, the church’s actions prove that they would rather influence the laws, or financially dissuade any that they find disagreeable. These types of actions only deprive humans of their natural rights, which are protected by the United States Bill of Rights.
In addition, the very mention of homosexuality cannot be found in the three uniquely Mormon religious cannon: the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants (also known as D&C), or the Pearl of Great Price. That coupled with Article of Faith 8: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” (Smith, Article of Faith 8) As well as Article of Faith 9: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” (Smith, Article of Faith 9) Lead me to believe that the current view of “homosexual activity”, marriage, or homosexuality in general, may not have a much merit as the church believes it has.
It has been my experience; spiritually the Mormon Church is dead. The meetings do not nourish my spirit, but rather pile on the guilt. The lesson manuals are uniformly boring and written at a very rudimentary level. They do not address the spiritual and intellectual needs of lifelong members – there is no depth, it is all superficial. It is as if the current church believes that the glory of God is strict obedience to outdated paradigms.
Jesus spent his valuable time in the midst of the sinners, the sick, the oppressed, and the downtrodden. He regularly condemned the religious hypocrites of the time; casting out moneychangers, and Pharisees. Christ’s example was one of understanding and compassion; “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone” (John 8:7) … “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” (John 8:11). In essence, he taught that church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum of saints. Why then are so many members unwelcoming and judgmental of those who are different, or those that suffer with addictions, or those with unpleasing appearances, etc.
Are the saints not taught, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2). Yet, there are so many unfeeling hearts within the ward culture. Other times, there have been wards that try their hardest to be welcoming, and caring. However, my LDS ward experience (having moved over 16 times in Utah) has generally been cold. – A house of hypocrites that save face, but utterly fail at practicing what they preach.
The word of God is in essence eternal truth, right? Why then do so many policies, procedures, and publications change almost entirely (including the church's stance on marriage)? – Perhaps they change so often because they were outdated designs of fallible mortals. The leaders / general authority are just human after all, which contrasts darkly to the picture painted by so many members, bishops, etc. However, I am not looking for perfection, that is a mortal impossibility, but I am looking for genuine people who can admit when they are / were wrong.
Financially, how can the church afford a $1.5 Billion US Dollar mall in Salt Lake City, while there are adults, and children (our brothers and sisters) dying of hunger and thirst everywhere in the world? I believe in generating income, being resourceful, reliable, and responsible (meaning I generally support having additional sources of income), but I am appalled that the church would fund something so “worldly”.
The churches lack of transparency with its income and spending habits is also disconcerting. Sure, we often see that humanitarian aid is sent around the world when disaster strikes; I have even contributed to that noble cause myself, but how much could the church be doing? – Especially with $1,500,000,000 US Dollars. How about the homeless, starving, hungry, and destitute without families anywhere from the United States to Uruguay? What about the single parent family that is about to lose their home to foreclosure? – there are so many people in need, and so many worthy projects to pursue (clean drinking water in third world countries, community gardens, etc.).
I am not lacking a faith in God, just confidence in the ability of the LDS church to adequately convey God’s will toward humankind. I know the church has been good influence in the world, and that the church tries to do what it thinks is best; however, I do not believe that the local leaders or the general authorities have the best interests of God’s children at heart, and that saddens me greatly.
Brigham Young, Second President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self security. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (Discourses of Brigham Young)
It is impossible to express the depth of my feeling, the pain, joy, sadness, love, and so many other emotions I have felt while being a member of the church. I do not regret my upbringing or my decision to leave. I realize God infinitely understands and loves all his children, regardless of circumstance -- " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28).
I too sadly share Diane Bass’ sentiment: “My favorite scripture has always been, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ (Psalm 46:1) I truly have found refuge in my Lord but I have to sadly tell you that I have not found refuge in my church.” (Bass). I just wish that the church was more like God, or followed Jesus’ example a little more closely. I would not be honest with my soul if I stayed a member, for I have been in God’s divine presence and understand more completely than I once did.
With Heavy Heart,
Spencer Carter
Bibliography:
Bass, Diane. The First Thing My Mom Did When She Learned I Was Gay... and the 'Miracle' That Occurred After . n.d. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lance-bass/the-first-thing-my-mom-di_b_4556471.html>.
(Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 135.)
"John 10:27-28." The Holy Bible KJV.
"John 8:11." The Holy Bible KJV.
"John 8:7." The Holy Bible KJV.
“Larry King Live” “Gordon Hinckley: Distinguished Religious Leader of the Mormons”. CNN News, Aired September 8, 1998—9:00 p.m. ET <http://www.lds-mormon.com/lkl_00.shtml>
"Matthew 7:1-2." The Holy Bible KJV.
"Psalm 46:1." The Holly Bible KJV.
Smith, Joseph. "Article of Faith 12." Smith, Joseph. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Smith, Joseph. "Article of Faith 8." Smith, Joseph. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Smith, Joseph. "Article of Faith 9." Smith, Joseph. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
"The Book of Mormon." 2 Nephi 2:25. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
31-35, M