A Mormon No More
Mar. 30, 200914 Comments · Posted by Brent Danley in religion
A Formal Resignation
I stopped going to church way back in 2004. Since then I’ve been an outspoken atheist and critic of theism generally and Mormonism specifically. A family member once asked, “why don’t you have your name removed from the records of the church?” My reasoning for not doing so was that I didn’t care what the church considered to be my membership status. I stopped being a member when I stopped believing the ridiculous dogma.
I met a woman on Facebook yesterday who changed my mind. She’s an atheist who lives in Ogden, Utah. She told me she had her name removed so she wouldn’t be counted in the church statistics; she didn’t want to prop up their membership numbers.
Being counted as a member is, in a very tiny way, helping the church. I want no part of helping an organization that ruins the minds of millions. Sarah told me of her experience resigning from the church and pointed me to a terrific website, Mormon No More, for those who no longer want their membership.
I plugged my information into the sample letter, had it notarized, and sent it to Salt Lake City via USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation. In two days I’ll go online to verify receipt. Then I will officially join the ranks of non-Mormons.
My formal resignation letter
Notarized to reduce the likelihood of refusal
Delivery confirmation
Delivery confirmed, 9:11 AM on April 1, 2009
An urge to prayerfully reconsider
We invite you to return and partake of the happiness you once knew.
When I read that I had to laugh. They really do think membership in the church is the only way to experience true happiness. Leaving the church has been the most liberating thing I’ve ever done. True happiness is impossible with a suppressed intellect and binary morality.
An Invitation - The First Presidency
The local Mormon bishop, Dan Kenning, with his two counselors, just stopped by to let us know he will be signing the paperwork to have my name removed from the records of the church and submitting it to the stake president. He wanted to make sure that it’s what I really want to do.
He offered his support and was very gracious. He also wanted to know what Kirsten’s intentions were. She told him she’s supporting me and will let him know later how she wishes to proceed.
Hopefully I’ll soon receive my official notice from the church acknowledging my new status.
Finally, I am no longer a Mormon. And it feels so good. :)
The official baptism nullification letter
Now it’s really official. It feels even better than the first time it was official.
LDS resignation ackowledgment from SLC
Watch this space for updates.
apostate · atheist · ex-mormon · mormon · name removal · resignation
Sarah · 20090331 at 00:44
I LOVE this blog and all your pictures. I'm so happy for you!!! I can't wait to hear if it goes smoothly for you or if they try to give you hell somehow. I'm assuming since your not in Utah no one will really care and it will go smoothly. Most of the horror stories have been with people who do live in Utah (which is why I did mine in Mississippi). :-D Congratulations!
Admin comment by Brent Danley · 20090331 at 00:54
Thank you for your help, Sarah.
http://atheistinzion.blogspot.com/
AJ Whitney · 20090415 at 02:57
Wow, that's quite the process! I can't help but chuckle a little bit, but damn… talk about making you jump through hoops. I've considered myself an agnostic for quite a while, but lately, I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm an atheist pure and simple.
Admin comment by Brent Danley · 20090418 at 11:40
It is a bit funny. Why do those who want me to reconsider always ask that I pray for the answer? Perhaps I should ask them to think to find truth.
Faith is not a virtue. It is stupidity, plain and simple.
I agree, AJ, atheism is far simpler than agnosticism.
AJ Whitney · 20090418 at 20:16
Are you serious??? They really ask you to PRAY for the answer!?! That's too funny. Why would you ask a mythical deity for advice about whether or not you should believe it really exists? Unless you're suffering from some mental illness, you're more likely to get the answer they want by walking up to a squirrel and asking it if there really is a god. (What's that Mr. Squirrel? Did you nod your head yes? You did, didn't you! Hallelujah!)
Admin comment by Brent Danley · 20090419 at 01:35
Brilliant comment, AJ. I am as befuddled and perplexed as are you. When people recommend I pray to find an answer to the question, "is there a god?", I am so taken aback I cannot ask for a more existential determinant.
Faith is a mental illness.
Brian · 20090514 at 08:34
Congrats, Brent. You’ve been waiting a while for this.
Dan B, · 20090526 at 17:19
Sweet! You are free!
AJ Whitney · 20090526 at 20:18
Woot! What a process… the whole thing seems very ‘bureaucratic’.
Damien Hunting · 20090910 at 09:55
Brent–I am sending my letter in on Monday. Thanx for helping to open my eyes.
Admin comment by Brent Danley · 20090911 at 16:50
Good for you, Damien. What is it that prompted you to make the (un)commitment?
handmaiden · 20110205 at 04:23
Great to see you are out.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Shanna · 20111206 at 21:44
I am making the big step. Do you think I can take it straight to the Bishop and harass him into doing it rightnow or should I start with the official letter? I am tired of getting mail and phone calls!
Admin comment by Brent Danley · 20111209 at 13:20
Good for you, Shanna! I’d follow the instructions and be patient. You want a paper trail. Let me know how it goes.