I wrote the letter, but will I have the nerve to send it?

Written with much help from the Mormon No More web site

Member Records, LDS Church
50 E North Temple Rm 1372
SLC UT 84150-5310

Dear Sirs:

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 resignation considerable thought, and have done much research and contemplation to help me reach this very personal decision. I understand what you 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 taken from the current Church Handbook of Instructions) I will not be dissuaded and I will not change my mind on this matter.

Also effective immediately, I expect absolutely no contact from the church, with the exception of a single letter of confirmation to let me know that I am no longer listed as a member of the church.

For clarification, the definition of “no contact” specifically includes no home visits - no missionaries, no visiting teachers, no home teachers, no priesthood leaders, no Relief Society leaders - no members of the church at all should make an attempt to visit me at my home. I also expect no phone calls to my personal cell number by any of these people. I am fully aware of my legal rights and will not hesitate to procure legal aid if I am contacted in any way by members of the church or if my confidentiality in this resignation is violated.

My resignation should be processed immediately, and should be handled without the standard 30-day “waiting period”. There should be no delay whatsoever in processing this resignation from either the central administrative membership office or the local church leadership.

I expect this matter to be handled promptly, with respect and with full confidentiality.

Sincerely,


Effulgent