As of 01/01/2016 a total of 534 have officially joined The Black Sheep Roster. Click here, The X-Files to see actual correspondence between The LDS Church and members requesting resignation. The following people have officially either resigned their membership from the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or have been excommunicated. We hereby publicly release the Strengthening The Members Committee, Visiting Teachers, Home Teachers, Bishop and Stake President from their duties.

Please add yourself to The Black Sheep Roster by sending an email to webmaster --at-- salamandersociety.com with your story. For suggestions on resigning your church membership click MormonNoMore.com.

The Ten Most Recently Posted Here as of 01/01/2016

Your Name Your Name Removal Date Your Reason

BootLoopRealDollLuvr, September 2011

I was down with the flu and was in no shape to attend meetings that day, let alone even talk to these people, and I had two life-size dolls made by a company in Ohio called Candy8teen, at a cost of $1200 EACH. I'm High Functioning Autism and have a medical need for them.

But these two people, whom I'll only refer as Justin and Wayne; along with another Mormon I'll call Jimmy, who the latter (no pun intended) was my roommate, forced me to throw them away. I said no, and then they said to throw them away or leave. I chosen the second option. But it wasn't an option after all!

So, I told them to leave or I'm calling 911. They then kicked me out of my room and locked the door while they started throwing things away. I even saw them trying to look at what was on my computer but shut it off upset that it was running Ubuntu (Linux) and couldn't find any way to login. (They didn't know about going into recovery mode from the GRUB bootloader, which is documented on www.Ubuntu.com very plainly!)

So, after they told me to carry out a huge garbage bag, which I seen a foot sticking out, I said "Put that back in my room. NOW. You have NO right to mess with my stuff. Y'all can go to jail for this." They said that "man's law doesn't apply here, brother. We're actually immune to the laws of man in this situation. The bishop said it's okay."

So... they took it upon themselves to take the bag to the dumpster. Then they bushwhacked me into not prosecuting or suing. Then they got me to talk to the bishop the next day. Instead of remunerating, there was a disciplinary court then and there... I *so* want to sue these people. But then just very recently, I was outside a Speedway convenience store with a pack of Newports and a Monster Energy, when two missionaries asked me if I was interested in talking to them.

I was needing to catch my bus home, and politely said, "I'm sorry, but no. I'm excommunicated and I have no interest in a bogus faith, in fact, I'm atheist now." They then tried to leave until one of them came back up to me and had the audacity to ask "I'm just curious, but do you mind if I ask if you feel bad that the Holy Spirit had left you and you can't get into Heaven?"

I said, "What part of 'I don't want to talk to you' don't you morons understand? It doesn't matter. I told you I'm atheist, it's irrelevant!"

They then left, but not before I said, "you better tell the Salem Ward in Virginia Beach that they owe me at least $5,000 for some dumb stuff they did!" They affirmed they would. They probably did not. But I do have a RealDoll. Her name is Vanessa.

Brett, 2008

David Hyatt, 1991

I was the only one in charge of my life. I had all the guidance I needed and always had it. It was innate and inside of me. I was to live the best I could and not give a rip about what others were saying about me. My life job was to love me and trust others to love themselves and figure out life one day at a time, making adjustments as needed.

JB & BJ, 5-6-04/6-18-07

Part of what pushed me over the edge was some of Eric Hoffer's books, starting with The True Believer and culminating with The Ordeal of Change. When I saw what I was becoming, and what the 15 Apostates had become, I realized this was not the way of the Nazari that Jesus lived by. But I didn't stop there, investigating the origin of religion in earliest history. Along the way I had my suspicion confirmed that the same basic problems infesting Morgdumb also infest Chrisitanity, Islam, and Judaism.

Today I believe in myself and my experiences, not creeds or cults or what is passed off as science. My bride and I are happy. Our personal code of conduct and values did not change significantly upon leaving. Our only regret is that we took so long to wake up. Life is precious, we only get to experience this phase once, and we tend to waste too much of our lives living by someone else's rules or agenda. When GBH wrote his book about "standing for something", I did, and cut them all off ecclesiastically speaking.

David, 2010

Michael Sharpe, July 2012

Tony, June 22, 2014

David Allen Mackley, Summer of 2010

Jen, February 2014

Hubby, I, and 6 kids resigned 10 weeks ago yesterday. We are doing great and life is moving right along.

Some of the battles I was fighting early on in my discovery that the church wasn't true and during the time of our resignation have been replaced with newfound peace, freedom, and sense of well-being. I was really struggling with my identity and with fear just a few months ago. Today I have a much clearer sense of who I am and it's just getting better everyday. I have discovered that I am still me...loving, kind, honest, and loyal. Those characteristics didn't disappear just because I learned the church that had taught me those things was a fraud.

The fear has all but disappeared. I can see now that I was simply lied to when I was taught things like I could never have "a fullness of joy" outside the gospel. I was lied to when I was told that my children would be lost without the gospel. I am happy, and in fact I am HAPPIER now than I ever was as an adult in the church. My children are happy. My teenagers are HAPPIER now to be out of the shame and guilt based culture that is the church.

I have more time to enjoy my family now. We spend Sundays doing family activities now like picnics, movies, going out for a meal, or meeting once a month for a potluck with our local CALM chapter (Community After Leaving Mormonism). We have met AMAZING and KIND people through CALM, and we continue to gain support and clarity through that "live" group, as well as the Mormon VIP Lounge Facebook group. I also like to read through the exmormon.org recovery board every few days as well. We have found amazing new friends and lots of virtual support during our journey out of Mormonism. This board was particularly helpful to me during the weeks prior to our resignation and the weeks following the resignation.

My dh and I came up with our own rules of conduct for our family to live by. We have chosen to hang onto a few of the guidelines we were taught as members that make logical sense to us, to throw out all those rules which we feel are irrelevant or ridiculous, and add in other characteristics we've been striving to teach our children all along. We are teaching OUR BELIEFS to our children now, rather than the beliefs of a fraudulent corporation.

I have tried coffee twice now (ewwww! I've heard it's an acquired taste!), had a pomegranate margarita (too strong!), a sip of beer (YUCK!), and 2 glasses of mimosa...which I loved!!

Upon leaving the church and learning everything that was NOT TRUE, I became fascinated by all that IS TRUE...meaning, I've become a science junkie!! We've been watching the PBS series Cosmos together as a family and it is AMAZING!!!!! I've also watched part one of Your Inner Fish, and loved it as well. I'm now following a few different scientific pages on Facebook, and spend a bit of time each day learning about who I REALLY am and about my universe. I love evidence. I love facts. I love truth.

I have a greater sense of wonder, awe, and reverence for life now than I ever did as a Mormon. I'm a better person now as well. Now that I'm out, I see how judgemental and prejudiced I was as a Mormon. I was an elitist. I had the truth, and those who wore tank tops or drank wine did not. Those poor souls. Now I see people as part of the human race, and have more love for ALL PEOPLE than I ever did before. I am open-minded, and clearer minded. I love and accept my children more unconditionally now too. I am a much more loving and relaxed mother now.

I am living practically guilt free for the first time in my adult life. As a member, I was particularly prone to the culture of guilt in the church. I felt guilty over EVERYTHING as a mormon mother. Now, I simply live and love. There is little to stress over and everything to celebrate. And because I no longer have a list a mile long of everything I "should" be doing, I have the time to do the things that make me happy, to love more fully, and this makes for a healthier family and marriage.

I am continuing to learn about the church and this continued learning is helping me in my recovery. I have had a few therapy sessions with a religious trauma expert. I am fascinated by the psychology of mind control, brainwashing, and cults now. I learn more through John Dehlin, Mormon Stories, Ex mormon Foundation presentations, I Am An Ex Mormon youtubes, and the like. There's a ton of great resources out there!!

To anyone that is doubting the church or struggling with your belief, I would encourage you to DIVE INTO YOUR DOUBTS rather than "doubt your doubts." Though the diving may be painful at times, the truth is worth the journey. I found these sources particularly helpful in my research of the truth claims of the church:

cesletter.com

An Insider's View of Mormonism by Grant Palmer



youtube talk: Ah-ha Moments by Grant Palmer

youtube video: The Lost Book of Abraham

youtube video: The Book of Mormon and DNA Evidence

To anyone that has already concluded, like I did on January 10th, that the LDS church is a fraud, just know that you will be alright!! I know it feels like your world is crumbling at times, but know that that feeling doesn't last for long. What you will be left with in a few weeks time is more clarity and peace than you could ever imagine. Hang in there!!

Jeremy, 09/12/2014

Alphabetical Roster of The Black Sheep

Your Name Your Name Removal Date Your Reason

Aaron, November 16th 2008

I was offically excommunicated from The Mormon Church November 16th 2008. I recieved the letter confirming my excommunication on November 18th. I am now offically out of The Mormons for good.

I left because I could not deal with the church's efforts to whitewash history and I could no longer make myself believe that God was a man with a body of flesh and bone who lived on a planet called Kolob who was able impregnate the Virgin Mary but had to outsource his omnipotence to the holy spirit. the only thing I can say that kept me sane was the true God of the Bible not the false deity of Mormonism. Now the real healing begins.

Jenny Abbot, 10/25/2004. I discovered the truth about Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and the rest of the LDS church's history. I have immense gratitude for people such as the Tanners, Richard Packham, and Kathy Worthington for their dedication in helping others break free of the cult's mind control.

Heidi Abbott (also known as Hasani), September 2, 1999 - The Reader's Digest Version --- after a lifetime of trying to "make" myself believe the doctrine, I finally decided to trust my heart and instincts.

Adam and Sheryl and 4 children, we were officially resigned on December 1, 2003. Sheryl came upon the truth at www.exmormon.orgwhile researching a temple marriage lesson for Young Womens. Reasons? Temple ceremony/Masonic ceremony, Book of Abraham, The First Vision problems, Joseph Smith's greediness with money and women, editing of D & C, Book of Mormon problems etc. So many things that can't be listed here. We felt the need to resign so we could NOT be counted in the Morg's deceptive numbers game!

Ami Adkins and children, San Diego - mailed official (signed, notarized, and registered receipt mail) resignation letter to SLC Records office July 28, 2005; forever known hereafter as AMI'S INDEPENDENCE DAY! I have been unhappy in that church for 25 years and finally decided I'd had enough. When I realized I did not believe one single thing that church teaches or preaches, not to mention I greatly feared the damage the indoctrination was doing to my kids; I wrote out the letter and mailed it two days later. We're done. End of story. I truly feel free.

Alan, 12/08/2008

I grew up in an large, ultra TBM family with roots tracing back to the origins of Mormonism on both sides. I am the only one in my family who has gotten out. My relationships with family members are now practically non-existent. It all started when I did an internet search and found the Tanner's "Changing World of Mormonism." I became inactive within a year of reading this book. I spent the next 11 years researching LDS history and doctrine before officially resigning. I now recognize the LDS as a destructive cult, and I have come a long way in understanding, conceptualizing, and recovering from my experience, though even today I struggle at times. I am proud that I was finally able to take the last step and resign. It was tremendously hard for me to do, but so worth it. I am now an atheist, and I have never felt as happy or fulfilled.

Alea, 2010

I was born and raised unfortunately. I started separating my own beliefs and those from the church at 12 years old. I spoke up and was criticized for questioning. I had a physically and emotionally abusive mother who punished me for not believing in the church. Had to read the scriptures and pray with her for hours after school each day and memorize the articles of faith and my blessing. Was told to "tell the bishop the truth" so I can attend the baptisms for the dead. The abuse went on until I was 18 and out of the home. I am glad to be who I am!

Jeffrey Francis Allred,Aug 30 2002 On behalf of my ancestor Solomon Allred, one of the original 4 Allred brothers, I Jeff Allred, his kinsman, I do revoke, and recant his baptism of the dead, I send the curse back to all those who baptised him against his will, a religion and faith that he would have abhorred. His good Allred name has been brought to an open and public shame, his descendents gone apostate, gone a whoring after Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. May their eyes be opened and their hearts reconcilled to the true God of their ancestor.

Joseph Almond, September 1, 1999, After being denied restoration of my Priesthood blessings following 19 years out of the church, then one year of faithfulness, I was so crushed and in pain that I came home, got on the internet search engine to see if there were any others who had experienced such devastation.

Typed in "ex-Mormon" then I spent the next 4 very long days, reading 107 stories of others who were out of the Church for various reasons. (Recovery from Mormonism)

What a shock!

I discovered, for the first time, that there were several First Visions; that the Book of Abraham was fabricated; that the accurate history of the church was being hidden and denied; that the front the Church maintains is just a facade: that there is turmoil and strife which necessitates excommunications in order to control damages.

It was less than a week later when I shared the salient points with my wife (a 1 year convert), and we both wrote joint letters requesting that our names be removed.

Now, we are at peace. Greatly disturbed at all we've learned, but thankful that we are out.

We are free. Joseph Almond and Shirley E. Almond

Dev and Carl Amos plus six or our eight children, 1999, Mesa, AZ We officially had our family's names removed in 1999. My husband Carl, and 6 of our 8 children also. We were active members, and had a son serve a mission!

Our Reasons for our quick departure: The people suck! The atmosphere sucks! And it very loudly dawned on us that where EVER the TRUE Spirit of Christ is would NEVER suck!

Gary Anderson, (Feb 2001) After six years of thoughtful research, I couldn't put the Genie back into the bottle. Integrity then dictated that I resign my membership.

Ross Anderson, My resignation was about 15 years ago. I don't know the date. I left because of coverups, changes and inconsistencies in history and doctrine. I went on to find a personal faith based on God's grace and love rather than guilt and expectations. I took the step of formal name removal because I am now a Christian pastor and I wanted to leave on my terms. I didn't want the church to initiate something against me for apostacy because of my public position.

Ann and Wallace, We left in spirit in April 2001, but made it offical Aug. 31, 2003, taking our two young children with us. We are free and happy and our lives are better than ever before. Happy are we! Our reason? Mormonism made us miserable.

Anonymous woman's viewpoint- 1995

I left the church in 1995, I have found myself wishing that my parents had never had me baptized at the age of eight because I was never given a CHOICE if I wanted to become a Mormon or not.

I was taught about the War In Heaven and how Satan wanted to MAKE PEOPLE BE GOOD and I later found out that this is what the Mormon church is doing to their members. They are following Satan's plan and not the plan of our Savior Jesus Christ. There is no such thing as Free Agency in the LDS church. I found out that Their Way or the Highway.

I hated the thought of HAVING to attend my assigned ward and was not given a CHOICE in which ward I wanted to attend. The only way I could be a member of another ward was to MOVE to another location. I think the LDS church could easily be sued for this practice. The expense and other problems of moving is certainly not an easy task.

For anyone who is wondering what ward they are assigned to they can find out on Mormon.org.

All of the LDS buildings say VISITORS WELCOME and it is an absolute LIE for anyone who wants to attend more than a few times. Try it if you do not believe me and you will find out fast that you are asked to leave.

I was never given a CHOICE and therefore I wanted to have my name removed from the Mormon church. I strongly believe that everyone should have a choice in all of life's decisions.

I was never given a choice if I wanted to attend Young Women's or Relief Society when I became 18 years of age. The only way out of having to attend Relief Society was to teach in one of the other programs such as the nursery, Primary or Young women's.

I did NOT have a CHOICE if I wanted to have Visiting Teachers IF I I did not want to be in their circle of the REBELLIOUS SISTERS gossip.

I did not leave the church because of the teachings but I left because of my lack of being able to make choices for myself.

The three hour block system meetings were very boring. I wanted to learn more about Jesus Christ and I seldom even heard His name. I heard Him mentioned in the Sacrament Hymns and at the end of prayers and in some of the testimonies in Fast and Testimony meetings.

I normally only heard the words usually "I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God I also heard that President Hinkley is also a true prophet of God followed by I know that the LDS church is the only TRUE church and is the only religion with the Fullness of the Gospel.

AnonyMs and Late DH- October 2003

Just days before my 60th birthday and after years of inactivity, I resigned. It was my gift to myself. Years earlier my late DH had resigned and I thought he was so brave. That was before the internet and exmo.org.

The best part of our story is that we didn't raise our children to be mormon. And now our grandchildren are not mormons.

It was the best choice we ever made.

Scott Applegate, 1997 The church isn't what it claims to be, based on the evidence. I'm not bitter or vindictive--just a lot wiser than I used to be... I let myself be led around by emotions that everyone told me was "the spirit." When I began using my brain, I was told I must have "lost the spirit." The spirit = blind faith, and they were right--I lost it (on purpose).

A.Arakelian, Count me in also. I was resigned in 2004. There was no reason to be counted under this disingenuous corporation's membership anymore.

Jim Ashurst, Excommunicated About 1975, or 76, don't remember for sure - I left Utah and the church on my 18th birthday when I enlisted in the Air Force. Every time I'd move somewhere it seemed like pretty soon here were the MO's calling to have their home teachers over. I kept telling them I didn't want them over. Finally one time in Phoenix, AZ this deputation of half dozen or so brain dead MO's showed up at my apartment and demanded that I have my home teaching lesson right then or write a letter asking to be Ex'd. I wrote the letter and was duly tried (didn't attend) and got a letter saying among other things that I no longer had the right to tithe. What a shame.

Arnold Astels, March 13th - 2002. I couldn't take the mental gymnastics anymore.

Mr & Mrs Aumann , October 2002 My husband and I were inactive for various reasons. Because my husband and I were disabled and he is also legally blind, the LDS church would shun and allinate us. Also when they helped us move, the brethren decided in order to be easy on them, to throw away a box that had my only copies of wedding pictures and an antique stuffed animail I could never get back. I researched for several hours and found it. There was alot they were not telling me or practicing themselves. What is this elite club of rich families that used us as church points. What finally "took the cake" was when a certain visiting teacher verbally abused us in public. That is my story about the Mass Franklin Ward. Baaa...

T. Robert Axelson, 1980 (Jonathan, through a veil... very darkly) excommunicated for being a homosexual, rejoined to please my mother in 1996, had my name removed 1998 because I realized that church could never accept me as I am (they don't even tell the truth about who *they* are [!]) and my mother had to, no matter what. Families are forever? Not even! And, don't get me started on the "gay thing". Subscribe to a gayexmormonlist!

Jack B , August 2004

After comparing the 1830 version of the Book of Mormon to the current one (line by line) and marking the differences, additions, deletions, anachronisms, and plagarisms from the King James Version of the Bible, I realized why nothing else that is uniquely Mormon makes sense. Joseph Smith lied - period.

Jenny B , July 2001 - What a crock the LDS organization is...I'm sorry I didn't figure it out sooner.

Eugene S. Barnes, 12/13/1996. Early Christmas present that year. I left because of GD (Goofy Doctrine), and I didn't want to be part of a cult and a fraud.

Helen Ashford-Barnes,12/13/1996. Early Christmas present that year. I couldn't make the Church true even though I danced their dance and sang their song. When we stopped going we considered ourselves no longer members. However I dragged my feet making it official and said, "let them think what they want". When I began to realize that leaving my name there was an indication I condone the doctrines, policies, and practices of the Church we sent our request. Thank you Gene for waiting 18 years for me to be willing to request my name be removed. We sent the invitation to repent and come back to the Church back to them. How dare they call us to repentance for not believing a false Church.

Michelle Barney Slaughter, October 11,2005 There is nothing better than seeing the so called "church" in the rearview mirror.

David C Bauer, 9-11-2009

I write this not for me but anyone who may follow after me.

I echo the feeling of embarrassment and sadness for not having the balls to do this in my twenties Although this feeling is somewhat mitigated by my current age and life experiences that have given me better insight into the control that can be exerted on a person through the control and manipulation of basic human needs (feeling connected to others, feeling loved, feeling respected) and group think by self interested and self perpetuating cultish entities (regardless of whether they are seen as good or bad ). It is also mitigated by the true happiness and feeling of freedom I have experienced in the time that I have finally full extracted myself from the injection of mormon influences in my life.

More specifically, the time since finally getting divorced from a more mildly conflicted Mormon who quickly (we are talking about a little over 6 months from the divorce being final) found and married in the temple her dream mormon fella. I will note here that I am sincerely happy for her and her new spouse. I am even happier though for finally ditching the last bit of mormon ideology or influence in my life (her parents were marginally active, but very 'devout' when it came to telling us how to live our lives).

Some background for the interested. I was raised in a Mormon family, though wasn't active in my "teens". It was labeled rebellion. I felt very bad about rebelling and what in my naiveté perceived was the cause of my family's extreme and basic unhappiness (through being told by by family it was the cause of their unhappiness). I thought that I would be a "better person" and make up for the inflictions visited on my parents and family for my "rebellion" by giving mormonism a shot from 18-25. I even graduated from BYU in engineering.

Par for the course, during that time my circle of friends and family became increasingly isolated to active mormons and thus allowed further judgement of my character to be based on this paradigm. Like so many other's before me it was damaging to my emotional health and personal integrity over and over again as I could not reconcile being subjected to the rules of what I knew was not a true religion, the pressures of such close and intimate involvement with others who subscribed to this belief, and what I was willing to actually do with my life. I found some temporary peace "sneaking" in beer/coffee a couple of times a year or so, much to the chagrin of my then quasi-mormon wife and her parents. Intense personal and interpersonal conflict of an emotional and cognitive nature was never ending during that time and it proved nearly impossible for me to live happily.

Well, it has been two years since I have been truly and fully Mormon free. I have not imploded. I have not become the drug addict, alcoholic, or sex addict that I believe the tenuous but previously existing mormon relationships in my life thought I would become (or even more laughably thought that I actually was). The strains of living in a quasi-mormon (though very inactive) relationship are behind me and it has amazed even me at how easy it is to be happy without these people in my life.

I lay no blame for the wasted years on anyone but me and my attachment to my then wife. It was me who did not have the internal fortitude to not marry a mormon when at 26 I realized and stated openly that there was just no way I could delude myself that mormonism was something I could subscribe to. Though again in my defense, I was attending BYU and was SURROUNDED by tons of hot mormon chicks. I mean for gods sake, a dude has needs. Anyhow, I digress. It was me who allowed my then wife to linger on, in her false hopes (that was constantly kindled by her friends, parents and mine), that I would some day just let my 'doubts' go and 'come around to embracing mormonism' and becoming a 'good man'. Though in my defense, I always stated to her, her family and my parents that there was just no way I was going to 'come around' to it. Thanks be to Zeus, the Sun, the Moon or whatever that there were no children in the 11 year marriage thus allowing the tie to be cleanly cut between me, her and an, although indirect but insidious, relationship with "the church". If I had just "resigned" my membership back in 1999, right after I graduated from BYU most of this would have just taken care of itself back then.

Robert Baumgardner, 1989 I found my heart, my brain, and developed a sense of humor.

Flip and Patty Behrens, November 2011

We discovered the scam. That was all it took. Both BIC (Born in the Covenant) recommend holding tithe paying, EQP, YWP, members at the time. We read Mormon Think on a Tuesday, and resigned on a Thursday.

Kristopher Bell, 1998 Found I couldn't believe in the existence of God, (which kind of precluded me from being a Mormon!). Also, the guilt, shame and social pressure that accompanies the Morg was just too much to bear.

Ben, official resignation April 2002: My fiancee was about to blindly follow me into the Mormon church. Feeling the need to verify that what I had been brought up to believe was true, I investigated the church from the point of view of an outsider. It did not take long to realize that the church is indeed a fabrication. www.lds-mormon.comwas a great non-biased resource for me.

Ben Benson, 2000 The world is older than 6,000 years. It’s more like 4 billion. Evolution is fact and has actual evidence in its favor in every field of science unlike creationism. The world was never flooded to the highest peak. The story of Noah and millions of species on an ark is ludicrous. Donkeys don’t talk. Language doesn’t stem from a tower built too tall. Native american DNA proves the Book of Mormon false and stupid. Prayer doesn't grow limbs back. Our generation can now read and understand Egyptian unlike Joseph Smith. It’s amazing the crap believed by so many. Fairies are just as likely as Elohim or Allah.

Wendy and Gerald Berg and three children- April 1, 2005

We received our official letter dated April Fools day. We thought this telling of how big of a fraud we discovered the church to be. What led us to the truth was discovering DNA evidence and how it proves that the American indians are from Asia. mormonscripturestudies.com/bomor/twm/This article was written by a Mormon using BYU research and was our ticket out. We have never been happier and are never going back.

Tanya Bergstein, June 2008

I resigned after joining the church in '03, becoming in active about 3 months after my baptism because it was so stifling to have all these people coming over all the time, resigned after 6 months of activity trying to make it work. I started working on my resignation letter after the conference talk that was about sexual abuse. After a quick mention of those who were victims there was about 10 minutes about those who commit those crimes begging them to show repentance and come back. That repulsed me and further reading and research showed how false it all was.

Mary Jane Bigley, AKA MJB, I left many times, finally resigned in December of 2002. Received my official letter in June of 2003.

It's just not true. What other reasons are needed?

Bill , I mentally left the church in 1995. I am not anti-mormon as much as I am anti-ignorance. My family is still mormon so I still have patience with relatives who label me apostate or inactive. I love mormons but don't like mormonism. My web page explains in detail why I am not a mormon anymore at, www.geocities.com/exmormon2000.

Justin Bill- 1995

I did not know that having my name removed was an option, so I requested an excommunication. I am living a normal, healthy life without any church involvement.

Kelly Jean Blanpied- 11/15/1999

I left Mormonism 21 years ago to see how the rest of the world lived and realized how much I love *reality* ;) Twenty-one years later, November 15, 1999, I rec'd a delightful present informing me that I am no longer a member. I was prompted to take action on paper for the bigotry exhibited over the LDS Church's political activities regarding the Knight initiative in CA. The freedom I feel from this patriarchal cult is, after 21 years, more palpable than I expected. It feels GOOOOOD!

Bob- 1980

I left the church in 1980, after 19 years and a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. Their claims were lies, and their weaknesses were hidden. Joseph Smith, I am convinced, was a charlatan. I left and have never regreted my decision. But never forget that Mormonism has been called a soul-destroying religion. Those who leave are usually leaving in a state of spiritual chaos. Often they turn against all organized religion. I would urge everyone to stay away and avoid this damnable church at all costs.

Stuart Bodie- January 2007

Cognitive dissonance...mental gymnastics...intellectual integrity...freedom...true happiness.

Ken Bolingbroke - March 2001

Official resignation March 2001, unofficially sometime in 1999. I trustingly believed everything I was taught, and worked hard at my various callings, but when I got around to investigating the church for myself, I found it had no substance.

Luke Bonner- I was born into a Mormon family. Well, actually I was adopted and became a Mormon at the ripe age of 1 month old. I gave up on the church when I was around 12 or 13, and I've not been to church in 2 years. My dad's a Stake President, so that wasn't fun.

But anyways, on with the story. I haven't actually resigned from the church, for one reason. I was adopted, and I find it easier to deal with my parents if I'm "still on the rolls." I actually sent in a letter, but being that my dad's a Stake President, it was intercepted and sent to him. He and my mother begged me not to remove my name, as it will nullify our "eternal bonds."

I find this very thought to be at the same time ridiculous and repulsive. How the F*CK can anyone continue to believe a church when it's, apparently, based on paperwork. It's as if God somehow relies on membership records of the church to keep track of who's together for eternity. Riiight. All-knowing, I guess, eh? Sacred covenenants are only sacred on paper!

Anyway I decided not to take my name off the roster for the sake of my parents. I figure if it makes them happier in their delusion, why not? Besides, my dad gave me his car shortly after that conversation. And there's no way for me to get my name off the rosters without him finding out - he's the one I'd have to go through to get it done, and even if I found a way around that, he'd be the first to know. And he'd probably take his car back. Either way, I told him I don't want to be contacted by missionaries, and apparently he has the clout to make that happen. So, everyone wins.

Put simply, as far as I know and feel, I'm not a member. As far as "God" (and my parents) knows, I am.

Hey, if they're right (HA!), maybe I'll get into heaven on some sort of weird paperwork loophole!

Signed and whatnot, Luke Bonner.

BootLoopRealDollLuvr, September 2011

I was down with the flu and was in no shape to attend meetings that day, let alone even talk to these people, and I had two life-size dolls made by a company in Ohio called Candy8teen, at a cost of $1200 EACH. I'm High Functioning Autism and have a medical need for them.

But these two people, whom I'll only refer as Justin and Wayne; along with another Mormon I'll call Jimmy, who the latter (no pun intended) was my roommate, forced me to throw them away. I said no, and then they said to throw them away or leave. I chosen the second option. But it wasn't an option after all!

So, I told them to leave or I'm calling 911. They then kicked me out of my room and locked the door while they started throwing things away. I even saw them trying to look at what was on my computer but shut it off upset that it was running Ubuntu (Linux) and couldn't find any way to login. (They didn't know about going into recovery mode from the GRUB bootloader, which is documented on www.Ubuntu.com very plainly!)

So, after they told me to carry out a huge garbage bag, which I seen a foot sticking out, I said "Put that back in my room. NOW. You have NO right to mess with my stuff. Y'all can go to jail for this." They said that "man's law doesn't apply here, brother. We're actually immune to the laws of man in this situation. The bishop said it's okay."

So... they took it upon themselves to take the bag to the dumpster. Then they bushwhacked me into not prosecuting or suing. Then they got me to talk to the bishop the next day. Instead of remunerating, there was a disciplinary court then and there... I *so* want to sue these people. But then just very recently, I was outside a Speedway convenience store with a pack of Newports and a Monster Energy, when two missionaries asked me if I was interested in talking to them.

I was needing to catch my bus home, and politely said, "I'm sorry, but no. I'm excommunicated and I have no interest in a bogus faith, in fact, I'm atheist now." They then tried to leave until one of them came back up to me and had the audacity to ask "I'm just curious, but do you mind if I ask if you feel bad that the Holy Spirit had left you and you can't get into Heaven?"

I said, "What part of 'I don't want to talk to you' don't you morons understand? It doesn't matter. I told you I'm atheist, it's irrelevant!"

They then left, but not before I said, "you better tell the Salem Ward in Virginia Beach that they owe me at least $5,000 for some dumb stuff they did!" They affirmed they would. They probably did not. But I do have a RealDoll. Her name is Vanessa.

John Botts, February 2002. I haven't attended Mormon church or believed in any Mormon doctrines for nearly 20 years. Yet, they seemed to track me down wherever I moved. I decided to make it official so they can no longer claim me as one of their supposed 11 million members.



I see the Mormon church as a cult founded on outright fraud. Joseph Smith's "translation" of ordinary Egyptian funeral texts into the "Book of Abraham" settled any doubt I may have had regarding its untruthfullness.



I don't believe any God requires you to know a secret handshake or secret name to get into heaven.



I am sad to see the Mormon church control and deaden the lives of many of my family members.



I'm so glad to be OUT.

Larry & Tammy BraithwaiteWe left the Mormon Church in September 1992 after having 35 years of 300% full time membership.

While serving as assistant supervisors in the Manti Utah Temple for two years we had the opportunity to see from the inside what the Mormon Church was not. We spent several thousand dollars in our research and found the Church to be totally false and wrote a book with our experiences called A Mormon Odyssey..Journey to the Center of my Soul. The book is free online at exmormon.org.

We have helped thousands in the past 10 years leave the Mormon Church those who were questioning and needing answers via the Internet, our Book and word of mouth. We now live a very, very happy and peaceful life with no more "pay, pray and obey". Finally we are out of the Mormon prison, thanks to Joseph Smith the false prophet.

Brett, 2008

Kerry Brinkerhoff- 1997 - I along with my wifeLinda and five children Jonathan, Jeremy, Kara,Jessica and Katrina left the Mormon Church in 1997.Mainly we left because we chose to follow theteachings of Christ as found in the Bible, instead of the Christ created by Joseph Smith and Mormonism. Or to put it bluntly, we see Joseph Smith as anti-Christ.

Camile (Clawson) Brown- July, 1984. I was raised and baptised Mormon by my grandparents (he: a life-long alchoholic and twice a bishop!) At 16 years old I finally had the backbone to stand up to my grandmother and tell her- no more seminary, no more hypocrisy, no more endless meetings, peer pressure and people with that small town mentality always gossiping and watching eachother for slip-ups! I am now part of the (happily!) heathen portion of the family tree. You'll see us at family get togethers- we're the ones in the kitchen mixing drinks, taking smoke breaks out on the back porch and laughing at how deluded we were.

Margie and Mike Brown, March 29, 1995 I (Margie) could not get out fast enough after we went to the temple and I read "The Miracle of Forgiveness". That is one hideous book. My husband did not care if his name stayed on the membership records or not, but he officially got out for me.

Michael A. Brown aka D.C.vd, 29 July 2004 While reading the local newspaper I read about DNA - Loosing a Lost Tribe by Simon Southerton. Being half native (Inupiat, Alaskan Native) I was outraged! So, I resigned! Those bastards lied to me, I thought I was Jewish! lol

Bug61- 1993'ish

I have been excommunicated from the LDS church twice. Once in 1982 for the reason of having an extra marital affair. Second in about 1993 because I chose to be. I could not be a hypocrite any longer.

D_, P_, K_, D_, D_- Feb 1991, Reason? Just that....REASON. After "reasoning" with doctrine that condradicted itself, we as a family finally found that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was/is a cult.

Larry Burgess- August 1996

Age 61. Joined "the Church" at age 13 in Alaska. Momma married a Mormon...and after a relentless missionary campaign I prayed about the Joseph Smith Story (pamphlet) and received a positive "spiritual witness."

Served a mission to Chile '64 - '66. Married in the Manti Temple to the girl who waited. Raised 6 great children. Stopped believing in "the Church" at age 32. Became deeply involved in reading Mormon History, diaries, etc. Appalled at the lies and deception about the Church's past. Felt very angry for a long time.

Most of my hostility is gone about all those years as a mental slave to Mormonism. Managed to stay married to my wife, who continues to this day to be a true believer -- now 38 years -- but had to put up with a whole world of hurt during the growing-up years of the children. Wife would try to force it down their throats, but I was always there to allow the freedom of choice that Mormons say they believe in but don't! 5 of the 6 chose mental freedom, along with DAD.

I am, however, still angry at the "general authorities" who must know the whole thing is a sham, but continue to mislead the weak minded.

Would be glad to hear from anyone who remembers me from missionary days, etc.

Ron Burr, Aug.-Sept. 2012

I was BIC to a loving parents. I went through all the usual LDS things....dunked @ 8, Cubs and then Aaronic priesthood @12...on through to being ordained an elder when I was 21. BUT, from the age of about 13 I was just going through the motions. I NEVER read the Book of Mormon or wanted to. I also never once thought going on a mission was what I wanted. So when Dad asked the question I said no. End of discussion. I went to Ricks for 2 semesters in '66-'67 and being in an LDS 24/7 atmosphere sealed the deal on my walking away from the church. Also, I should mention that I started smoking at age 14 and drinking at 16 and never once felt the slightest guilt at doing either. I married a wonderful Catholic girl in 1973 with the blessing of my folks and raised two wonderful kids outside of organised religion. My relationship with my parents was fabulous and Dad and I farmed together for many years. Finding out that I was not alone in my abandonment of Mormonism and that I could actually resign was an eyeopener. So I took the plunge in 2012. Ron Burr, Lethbridge Reprobate, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Mara Call, Can't remember, not important

It's been at least 4 years since I requested a name removal and was removed from the church records. It was more a matter of principle than anything.

I had the same experiences, as far as them sending me forms, requesting I meet with the Bishop and then the Stake Pres. Finally I just found out where to send my 3rd (no less) letter to, and I was officially "granted" my name removed from the church. It took a year for this small feat to be accomplished.

My neighbors luckily know that we are not to be bothered and we are pretty out spoken about "you keep your views, let us keep ours". We still live in the heart of Mormondom, in their world, but not of it. haha. Like many former members myself and my husband have emotional scars revolving around guilt in one area of our lives or another that we still are working through at 40 yrs of age. It takes some time to get over the years of being mentally and emotionally controlled, sexually repressed, told how to dress, how our hair should be, how many earrings we should have in our ears, what we should drink or not drink, how we should spend our free time, what we should read or listen to (or not read or listen to), and the list goes on and on.

We have also sat through many an uncomfortable meeting with the Bishop or Stake Pres who have delved into our deepest and darkest whatever's. We think it's complete garbage that anyone who is a not a professional in the field of counseling, psychology, or medicine, should be giving anyone counsel as to how to fix their marriage, whether or not masturbation is o.k., sexuality, or sexual orientation.

Frankly, it's not any of their damn business. But life goes on and so have we. Although we think that religions are not to be taken seriously anyway, we have found many benefits from some eastern practices such as yoga and meditation, as well as living our lives as we see fit. I hope that all readers are able to find that place for themselves and live well.

Nicole Cannon - June 10,1998 - To think for myself, to act for myself, and not fear the Mormon Thought Police (MTP) is in itself enough reason to rejoice that I (finally) have my real sense of free agency back.

Charlene- 2002

I had discovered too much racism, sexism, and dishonesty to remain in the Church after attending BYU for 2 years (mid '90's), but I didn't officially resign because I had a brother on a mission and I wanted to still have contact with him. I knew that he could be in trouble for associating with an exmorm.

A few years passed and I finally decided it was time. In January of 2002 I sent in my resignation. It was denied with a letter from Salt Lake saying I would have to go and meet with my bishop and stake president. I decided to use the SLC Winter Olympics as a bargaining tool. I wrote back saying that I knew the Church claimed to believe in "obeying the laws of the land" and that in our Constitution it guaranteed religious freedom. By not allowing me to leave, they were violating that.

I threatened that if they didn't remove me from their records immediately, I would take action. I said that at a time when the whole world is looking at Salt Lake and the Church, I was sure they didn't want bad publicity. I said I would contact every media outlet I could and hire an attorney. Within a week after sending the letter I got one back saying my name had been removed!

chettibo,March 10, 1994

While working in Yosemite Park in 1973, I had a mormon roomate. After some months he had worked on me to the point that I became convinced that he was convinced and convincing starts with a "con," while promised that I could get a wife and all that and more. Well I attended BYU, graduated in 1977 got married in the SLC temple to a Mexican Mormon, had five kids.

I soon found out that Mormonism is mammonism! So, in 1994 I wrote the stake prez requesting that my name be removed from the LDS church.

The marriage flew south in 1999, single and back in San Francisco for over a decade. I met so many "Mitt Romney's" that all used priesthood meeting to talk about making money and how much they hated Obama, just recently that was experienced while helping a Mormon friend with his business in St. George. His wife, Becky, a devout member and regularly abused by her husband.

David Christensen, 1987

I grew up in the church but was lucky to have a fairly liberal and intellectual family. When I was nine I had an epiphany while sitting in a Sunday school class. I just realized that if there were a God he would have better things to do than make lists of "sinful" substances such as tea. I knew then I would not remain in the church, although I did play along for a while longer. When I was in my early 20s and living in New York City I did go through the official name-removal process. It was freeing, and the guy (bishop) who handled it was really nice about it. It was just a brief phone interview, and he didn't try to get me to change my mind.

Now my partner (or husband--we were married last year, but since then the Mormons paid for Prop 8 to pass, so who knows what we are now?) is trying to officially leave. He had just never bothered before, but he wanted to resign officially in protest of Prop 8. They are giving him the runaround. They won't consider him removed until he talks with some bishop here in California, and the bishop isn't contacting us. It's a passive-aggressive strategy to make my partner contact the bishop! Blecccchh...

I never saw this Web site until today. I was happy to read about so many people who have had the courage to move on. We are all so much better off without that horrible "church." I hope many people will leave. Quite a few members of my family have by now (not influenced by me--they did it entirely on their own). I also hope that the church will be reprimanded publically through some legal process related to their fundraising activities for Prop 8.

Lynn Christensen, 06/25/2010

June 25, 2010 is the day I mailed my exit letter. I was afraid to do it, but just don't believe any of it. I started reading the Bible and found that the Jesus of the Bible is the one I want to follow. I tried being good at follow the leaders but in the end, just have to march to my own drum. I don't like men telling me what to do or being the boss of me. I'm 47 years old, and married to a Mormon, my young daughter feels sad for me that I am no longer Mormon. They are so disturbed by my exit, but I feel free! A free agent! Free to believe based on my own common sense rather than a bunch of silly hoooey! Yayyyy! Thank the Lord I faced my fears and did it afraid. Because now I am free at last. Did I say FREE? Haha!

Christina - I was baptized into the Morg in 1989. I realized two years later that Mormonism wasn't what it portrayed itself to be...that in fact, it was a pseudo-Christian cult! Now I "know" that I was baptized...rather throughly as they dunked me a good three times (talk about your being "legalistic")...however, when I phoned Salt Lake City to verify that my name was "removed" from church records, they could find no record whatsoever of me ever having being a Mormon. A very helpful person in the record department assured me that no one was ever "removed" from the Mormon church's records...just a mark was placed by their name...meaning that they were "removed" and not to be contacted. Basically the church keeps track of every one of us ex-Mormons (I wonder if I can call myself that since by the grace of God, it turns out that I wasn't a Mormon in the first place....can I get my tithing back since it was made under a false premise???) and to me that is a scary thought. Why are they keeping track of us?

In closing, I just want to bear you my testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as the Mormons) is NOT a Christian church. Nor is it God's "restored" church on earth. It is a cult! Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, was NOT a prophet of God. He was a charlatan, a fraud, an adulterer, and a dirty old man! He will burn in hell for all eternity (2nd Peter 2) for the gigantic fraud of Mormonism that he perpetrated! The Book of Mormon is NOT another testimony of Jesus Christ...it is a complete work of fiction, and a poorly written one at that...except for the plagiarized bits of course. Gordon B. Hinckley is NOT a prophet of God. He sits at the head of a church that is leading souls to hell, and unless he repents, he will share the fate of Joseph Smith. The Mormon doctrine of "eternal progression" is a damnable lie: God has NEVER been a man, and we can never become "God"...there is ONLY ONE God. Finally, Jesus Christ is NOT the brother of Satan. Nor was he born of a physical relationship between God and the virgin Mary.

Christine, 02/05/2012

I decided today to have my name removed from the church. I finally did it I wrote my letter and sent it to everyone. I am almost 40 years old and grew up in the church. I never felt like I belonged. I became inactive after my parents got divorced when I was 15. The whole ward basically turned thier backs on everyone in my family. There were some exceptions though. I have been back to church a few times with my dad but never have been interested in staying.

My story is little different then the ones I have read here. As a child I was taught that I needed to be preparing myself for the most important job of my life. I needed to get married and have kids.

I was never told by my parents to go to college. No one ever asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. It was told that I wanted to get married and have kids. I was taught that I needed to save myself for my husband on our wedding day.

Don't get me wrong I appreciate a lot of the values the mormons have instilled in me. The one thing the church or parents didn't prepare me for was that I might make a mistake and then what.

After my parents divorced I was just ignored and let run wild. That is really scary after being completly sheltered with no life experiences. What a dangerous situation.

Well to get to the point I was 16 and a half and pregnant. My parents never told me about birth control. I was left to learn those secrets from my friends. I believed that you couldn't get pregnant your first time. Well.

So here I was a scared 16 year old living with my dad who was never home and my mom was out going nuts. I remember telling my dad and he told me not to think about abortion. The idea never was in my head at all. Then he said I should look into adoption. I knew I couldn't give my baby the things he needed.

I looked into a lot of adoption agencies. My dad pushed and pushed LDS Social Services on me. I hated the lady they sent out to talk to me. She was cold and insensitive. The church flew out another guy to talk to me. I thought about it alot. I decided that the Mormons were good people. I still beleive that. There are whack jobs in there too though.

So this counselor named Dennis comes once a month to visit me. He told me he found a family. He said he was going to try to find someone who matched up with my baby's father and myself. So he found a couple that the dad was half Mexican and half white just like the birth father. The mother was white like me. They said they were bi-lingual which I thought was cool. I agreed to these people having my child on certain terms.

1. I got to write to him once a year on his birthday and he would get these letters and pictures I sent him.

2. He could write anytime he wanted no matter whether it was birthday or not.

3. Each year there would be home visits and the counselor would give me updates on my son.

4. When the time came when we would reunite the LDS Social Services would provide counseling to all the parties involved in reunion.

So the time came for me to have my baby. I signed up with state aid that paid for all of my Dr. visits and my hospital bill. I asked the social worker if I should keep the aid so it would take some financial burden off the adoptive parents. He said that was a nice idea.I had my baby boy on September 27th 1989. I spent time with him in the hospital. I was so sad. When I left and went home without my baby I remember collapsing on the floor and crying forever. I was so heart broken. After social services got my baby they left me. No more monthly visits. Not even a phone call to see how I was.

I wrote my son who's name is Franky every year. I got two letters from him over the years. I sent tons of pictures too. I wanted him to know who I was and have a way of understanding how much I loved him. When Franky turned 17 I got a package in the mail from LDS Social Services. I was initially excited that it may be a letter from Franky. After opening it my heart sunk. It was my letter I wrote him returned to me un opened with a letter from Franky's adoptive mom.

She was mean and nasty. She told me that franky needed to figure his life out and he wouldn't be getting anymore letters from me. She said I needed to let him go now and I should get on with my life. WOW!!! I was devastated. I called Social services and they took three days to return my call. I was really mad at them. They let me find this out through the mail. They refused to help me. I thought of going to court but the thought of that was not what I wanted to do with Franky. I felt it would confuse him. I wrote him anyway and sent the letters anyway.

On June 6th 2009 I got my phone call I waited for 19 years. My son Franky was on the other line. We have a wonderful relationship now. Franky is truly one of my best friends. We have been together now for 2 1/2 years. He even moved in with us.

Ready for the lying and deception?

1. Franky was placed in a complete home of Mexicans. His mom spoke no english at all. His mom was illegally here from mexico.

2. His mom stopped the letters from me.

3. They charged his adoptive parents $10,000 to cover doctor and hospital expenses.

4. There was no counseling when franky called me.

I had such a hard time when we met. His parents totally hate me. I try really hard for Franky's sake to be forgiving to them but it is hard. His parents burnt all the letters and photos I sent him after he called me. By the way he was 19. It isn't the biggest issue on the table but It was really hard to insert myself into a mexican culture. I went out and visited him and everyone was speaking spanish. It left me out. The biggest issue for me is the fact that there was no counseling. I was married with my own three children at the time. My husband did not do well with me meeting and incorporating Franky into our family. Our marriage was already pretty rocky. Well that was the last straw. We are now divorced. Franky's mom does not like me. She feels very jelous and I can't blame her for that. When the she stopped the letters though she didnt tell Franky she did it she let him believe that I had just stopped. He was furiuos as was I when we both found all this out.

Well, Franky is the one who really suffers. He has been put in a position that he never should have been put in. he loves his adoptive parents but he loves me too. He is a big part of me and my childrens lives. He is now in the army national gaurd. I am so proud of him. His parents also hate me because they wanted him to go on a mission. After he met me and realized that I didn't care if he went on a mission he didn't want to either. As Franky grew up his parents used me to minipulate him into doing thier will. They would tell him I would not be proud of him if he didn't do certain things. Franky now knows a different kind of love. I am supportive of franky in his life decisions. Finally he knows what free agency is. Franky doen't go to church anymore either. I have not pushed him one way or another on that one. That is his call. I love Franky enough to try my best to get along with his parents. After I put Franky up for adotion I did do some research into the church.

Even though there are good stong values they teach you there is such lies and deception that everything is very blurry. It is very cult like. It seems as if there is a lot of brain washing going on. The whole mission thing for these boys is a huge example of the brain washing. They separate them from all true reality of life for two years and then proceed to have them live only for the church. franky is in boot camp and it is very strict there but it only lasts for 8 weeks. They also let him make phone calls home etc.

I am taking my name out finally. Why did it take this long? Well I didn't want to break my dad's heart. I finally realized that his heart won't break. he knows I haven't been in the church for many years. This is just another scare tactic that I have found myself falling for.This was long overdue. I dod not believe in thier garbage they try to shove down everyones throat but more then anything I don't want to be affiliated with such an organization that takes something as tender as a mom giving such an ultimate sacrifice and twisting and turning it to sufice thier own agenda. Did they doit to earn thier $10,000. Did they do it to be assured another person who could be raised brainwashed and help multiply thier members. I don't know for sure but The church is very hypacrytical. I will never forgive them for robbing me of a choice that I should have been able to make for my child.

Sorry this was not very brief but it feels good to put my story where others can read it. I am very happy and lucky to have all 4 of children in my life now and in the end I have my Franky back.

Clark of 39 years- January 30, 2005

While studying Church History and Doctrine to increase my testimony while I was disfellowshipped (reason not important), to my great dismay I found the whole thing to be made up. In face, as soon as Mormonism fell, Christianity fell right behind it. The Catholics made the whole thing up! Did Jesus really even exist? If so, he was a guy, maybe a great teacher, but certainly not "divine". So, I left. My wife is still a TBM, but my kids are too lazy to care either way. (We believe in Freedom here!)

I DO believe in a Supreme Being, a "god", that must have orchestrated this beautiful Earth and all the complicated creatures and plant life. I do believe in eternal progression to be able to do the same thing eventually. However, Science explains it just as easily as Religion. I am in the corner of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. If you haven't read it, you really should. It's a very short read with Buddhist overtones, written by Richard Bach, a Buddhist. Remember, Buddhism is NOT a religion, but a philosophy of life.

There's something miraculous and wonderful about life and the hereafter, but it isn't covered by Christianity, Mormonism, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, or any of the other -isms!

Just be the best you can be, because that is innate, and see where it takes you. Forgive others for stupid mistakes and hope you'll be forgiven in turn. In the words of E.T., "be good" and everything will be "just fine"!

Bill Clark - Nov, 1999 - I spent my whole life (well 36 years) trying to believe it was my fault the church was wrong. I finally GOT IT. I was told I was not living up to the church, when in reality mormonism could not live up to my standards of integrity.

Dion Clark, 2008

I was born and baptised into the Mormon church as a child in Washington state, moved by my parents to SLC, UT as a tween, and stayed a culteral Mormon most of my life until age 40, when I wanted to know more about the church's history after seeing the movie September Dawn.

I progressed to books, and after reading numerous books, I knew the church was a fraud.

My parents, who had retired and broadcast for KSL, channel 5, church owned media, and LDS conference via satelite are the head of l3 adult progeny who live in and around the SLC area, expecting us to all be an eternal Mormon family. I lived in West Jordan, where my neighborhood was 90% LDS, and leaders constantly visited extending pressure to attend.

My husband and I moved to Wyoming, and wrote our letters to resign, and now are very happy to be free of the Mormon Church, but not our messed up family. We now broadcast for DISH, coast to coast, and we are non-believers, having been to many museums, canyons, digs, and historic sites.

Joseph lied, plain and simple to alot of people. Although many Mormons are good people, we love many of them, we feel sorry for them. Being a fence sitter isn't healthy and out of respect to our parents we stayed way too long, it is nice to be out among the living.

Cults are dangerous, and mind control is real. Living a truth based life is rewarding, and we are on our way to recovery.

Gary Alan Clark aka new name Seth, 1983, The Mormon Church is an parasitic organism with a life and survival instinct all its own. It feeds off the resources and productivity of its duped and clueless membership -- sad beings too weak and disoriented to run their own lives -- and whose actual health and happiness are of no consequence whatsoever to the Church's insatiable appetite for wealth and power.

Steven Clark, 1994, Realized that the only truth about Mormonism would be found in the Articles of Incorporation instead of the Articles of Faith.

Tom Clark (aka TLC)- Deactivated circa 1985. Formally resigned in 2001. Left the church for one reason and one reason only; Mormonism's beliefs, teachings and practices concerning homosexuality. My experience has been that one cannot be both homosexual and Mormon. I had always considered name removal an unnecessary formality but finally got to the point where I no longer wanted to be associated in any way, shape or form with Mormonism and took the steps to resign my membership. It's one of the greatest gifts I've ever given myself.

My story and others like mine can be found at my website: http://www.GayMormonStories.com

Linda Clyde- February 1992.

I was born and raised in the Mormon Church here in Salt Lake City. I basically "left" when I was fifteen, after my older sister got pregnant out of wedlock and the bishop started treating our family badly, almost as if it were my Dad's fault he couldn't control his teenage daughters.

I was baptized in 1970 when I was eight, and what I remember most is being scared to death. There was a feeling of trepidation that I couldn't explain at that age. I just knew that it was something I really didn't want to do, even though I knew I didn't have a choice. Being raised in a Mormon family, getting baptized was something that was a given.

Throughout my formative years, I suppose I might have had the same questions and/or doubts every Mormon has experienced. One question I had asked many times was, how is it that there are Mormons, Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, all religions out there, who all say that they believe in God, and yet the LDS Church makes the bold (and arrogant) claim that they are the only "True Church." I never did get an answer other than to "pray on it."

In junior high, I was baptized for the dead over 120 times. In high school, I dropped out of seminary in my sophomore year because it bored me silly, and I had more fun hanging out with all my non-Mormon friends and my non-Mormon boy friend (who has been my husband now for nearly 22 years).

Again no real answers to questions that deserved real answers. So, I remained completely inactive since high school. I'd go periodically, when nieces and nephews were blessed, but that was the extent of being active.

All this time, I felt like, hey, I know if I go back now, I'll have to confess to the bishop everything that's none of his business to begin with, and because of anything I'd done that had made me impure and unworthy, I'd never get into the celestial kingdom anyway, so why try anymore? This didn't mean that I didn't, deep down, want to, I just thought it would be just plain impossible.

In 1990, my sister (the one who got pregnant out of wedlock when we were teenagers) accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. At the time, I thought, girl what are you into now? And I certainly didn't want anything to do with whatever she was involved in. We are and always have been close, and so when my phone would ring, I knew it was her and what she wanted.

Every other word was "Jesus this" and "Jesus that" and for me, it was "Joseph Smith this" and Joseph Smith that." It wasn't long before she gave me a book called, "Mormonism, Mama & Me" written by a sweet elderly woman named Thelma "Granny" Geer. I told my sister straight up that if it disrespected the LDS Church in any way then I woould not read the book.

But I started reading it, with an open mind and open heart, and I realized that the author wasn't putting the church down at all. She talked about being a fourth-generation Mormon and all that and how she came to Jesus through the scriptures in the Bible. I only got about a third of the way through the book before I realized that I was wrong about the LDS Church, I was lied to (they have lied to ALL of their members; most of all they lie to themselves), and I had to get out of it permanently, whether I had been inactive for many years or not.

I had no intention of putting my salvation in the hands of a Latter-Day prophet, for any reason. One of the first things I did before making any steps was to get on my knees and ask for God's forgiveness for having been involved in their web of lies and deceit, and He answered me, letting me know that He knew me when I was baptized at the age of eight, and that He knew I had virtually NO choice in the matter. Most of all, I was forgiven, and from that day forth, I was His and nothing would ever change that.

I found the material to get my name off the membership list, and I have never felt more free. The day I put my letter of resignation in the mail I felt a twinge of doubt, but I knew it was only Satan bothering me but he couldn't stop me from doing it. I'm thankful I got out of it, and that I never did baptize my own two (now grown) children.

Unfortunately, my daughter was baptized into the LDS Church before she was married, and it broke my heart; she did it for her husband, but she found out quickly how bad things are, and is completely inactive as is her husband. They have two boys whom I hope they don't torture by forcing them to be baptized, too.

I found this website purely by accident, and what a Godsend. I have found many aspects of it very amusing. What a great format to be able to tell others the how & why of our escape from truly the worst church I've ever known or had the misfortune to be involved in. Thanks!

Linda in Salt Lake City.

Coleen, March 1981...I was raised in the church. I first noticed something was wrong when being baptised and confirmed didn't make me feel any different or change my life for the better. I first knew I didn't believe in the church after my high school psychology teacher challenged us to study our own religions. The question was whether we believed because we had been programed that way or if our beliefs stood up to our own scrutiny. I read all the scriptures, several doctrine books and asked questions.

Connie, September 8, 2011

I decided all the books conflicted with each other on doctrine and were anti-American, anti-woman and basically inconsistent with what I felt was right. When I became pregnant with my son, I gave the church one last chance. When I refused to give him up for adoption, the bishop said I would be excommunicated or disfellowshipped. He made it clear it was for keeping my baby and not for fornication. I decided to save them the trouble and had my name taken off the records. I've never regretted my decision.

Ted Cox, November 2000 - For me, it came down to two possibilities: 1) A racist God made the decision to deny black-skinned people equal opportunites in holding the priesthhod, or 2) Brigham Young wasn't a prohpet and wasn't recieving revelation from God when he claimed that blacks were a fallen, degenerate race, and that they would NEVER recieve the priesthood in this life. The second possibility made more sense to me.

Craig, September 1999

I was born and raised in the church. Did all the things a good little Mormon boy should, went to Ricks College, mission to South America, married SLC temple, baptized all 4 kids, etc.

There were always things that did not seem logical about the church, but as a boy and young man questioning if the church was true wasn't something that entered my mind. I always hated going to church on Sundays but I usually went at least to sacrament and priesthood. I usually taught the elders and later as a high priest also. It was a question from an inactive member one day as I was teaching that finally forced me to admit that the church was not what I had always thought it was.

One discovery led to another and that to another until there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that the church is a fraud. My exit was slow and fast at the same time. Fast in that I told my wife that I was done with the church and all it stood for, and that was the last time I ever went. Slow in that I didn't have my name removed immediately. I waited for several years mainly because my parents were elderly and still believed so I couldn't see any point in upsetting them and sending them to their rest all worried about my salvation.

After 40 plus years in the church I can honestly say I had never experienced true happiness and freedom until I threw off the shackles of the church and deleted all the guilt centered programming from my mind. I look at the world in a whole new light now and the world doesn't look too bad. The world is actually a good place to be for me now. I love life, I don't live riddled with guilt for stupid things I should be doing and stupider things I do that are meaningless yet the church made me feel like a loser for doing them. None of my kids are in the church and they are all very happy too. My wife still believes but I think she can see the truth she is just dealing with the guilt programming and the big "What if" question the church plants deep in your subconscious.

I can proudly say that I have shown more than ten people so far the truth about the church and they have left also. It's like counting baptisms on a mission only in reverse. I feel confident that my wife will see the light some day, but if she is waiting for me to "get through this phase" and go back to church she has a very long wait because that will NEVER happen.

Lona Crain, 1990 (requested in March, removed in June, never rec'd letter but confirmed recently by phone w/G. Dodge).After 30 years of utter misery ( was a convert at age 18) and abt 10 of severe depression, decided it would make more sense to have some happiness on earth before going to hell than to endure 40 more years of hell on earth before going to hell (because God knew what I thought of his rotten plan). Not out two months before I saw what an incredible crock of doodoo I'd fallen for. Beat myself over the head for the next 9 or so years for being so amazingly stupid as to have wasted my life in this revolting cult. Then discovered ex.mormon list and found I was one of many and they were great. Life is good. Now if only my 3 terrific kids & their families were free..... (Oh, major burrs under saddle of mormonism were demands for mindless obedience & rampant sexism. Epiphany occurred in fabric store between Sat. sessions of conference when I realized that I had far more respect & admiration for Gloria Steinem than for Ezra T.)

Sandra Crain-Gilkeson, 1996, Left the church to escape the blatant deceit,and sexism.

Tracy Crookston, November 29, 2000 The exciting, intriguing, and captivating account of my leaving Mormonism can be read at mormonism/testimonies.

The short account is as follows; After 26 years as an active, faithful Mormon, I learned the truth when I was serving as Relief Society president. The truth being, of course, that the LDS Church is not true. Its history has been revised, the doctrines have been changed, and the leadership has lied about it; but most importantly, Mormonism is not Biblical! The Bible HAS INDEED been translated correctly (see "The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell). I have learned that Christianity is a rational belief and I now have a satisfying personal relationship with Jesus of the Bible (as opposed to the Mormon Jesus who was conceived through intercourse between God and Mary). He has given me the peace that passes all understanding and joy in my life regardless of external circumstances.

I now spend my time speaking publically to church groups about the differences between Mormonism and Christianity and I try to help those coming out of cults adjust to REAL life. Praise God I'm free! Woo hoo!

Jay Crosby, excommunicated in 1975 for apostasy and teaching doctrines contrary to the Mormon Church. Guilty as charged I say!! Twenty-five years ago I first went through the Salt Lake Temple. It was a great fizzle for me. There was nothing inspiring, and it mostly seemed like a lot of mumbo-jumbo. I played along, though, not wishing to seem unspiritual.

A year later I ran into a man who told me Mormonism was false. I was challenged by what he said, and bound and determined to prove him wrong. In short, he devastated my every argument with FACTS. I could no longer believe I was in the true church.

When I went to the leaders of the Church, local and general, I was rebuffed with comments like, "There are some questions better left unasked," and "There is information that is essential, information that is useful, and information that is dangerous."

Certainly, the truth is dangerous to Mormonism.

The most important question, the one I couldn't get away from, and the one I hope and pray everyone reading this will ask themselves honestly--irrespective of their affiliation--is this: Can I just leave?

Can you? Whatever group you might belong to, whether a church, a club, a lodge, whatever--Can you just leave? Or, will you be shunned, humiliated, defamed, excommunicated or otherwise defrocked? Will you suffer loss of reputation? Will you be badgered and hounded to your dying day?

Or can you just exercise your right to pack up and go somewhere else?

It is an extremely critical question. And the answer in Mormonism is an emphatic NO.

That in and of itself is sufficient reason to bail!

John Phillip Cunningham, 2010

Neither myself or any member of my family were members. The church lied about my baptism, saying Jay Christisen had baptised me when I was 7 years old. I did attend the church to allow them to give their brainwashing its best effort.

It is so easy with a first grade education to prove all religions are slavery. There was no alphabet during the time period of the Bible or Book of Mormon for any of the names, items or situations. They are off by 500 - 1500 years. The Bible and Book of Mormon are made of used toilet paper with a PH of 4.7 rather than the legal 7.4 full of mold, mildew and germs unfit to touch as proven by China September 1954.

The whole Bible and Book of Mormon story is below the I.Q. of a 2 year old. The first Bible copyrighted in the USA is by Amy J. Kling, Burley, Idaho in 1945 at the Congressional Libary.

The people and their temper tantrums are to sick to be around. There is not one thing from education facts, psychology or any other situation that they have that fits reality. Thank you for the entertainment. They give the world a reason to laugh.

The english alphabet as it is today with 26 letters is 375 years old before that it only had 19 letters. There was no letter J. there was no language in the world that had that sound or symbol 2000 years ago. In translation you do not change the sound of a persons name. None of the Bible or Book of Mormon names could have been in the time period. the camel is from Australia, the donkey fron New Mexico they were taken to the Middle East in 1585. How did they get in to the Bible? All religions are cults (common used laterday term slavery). Get an education, treat others well and have a good life. In the name of John Cunningham a man.

Thank you John Phillip Cunningham date of birth 2/1/1956 of Aurora, Co.

Cynthia- 1988

I left in 1988... lost my faith much earlier. Also, because of the non-logic of Mormon life, it was difficult to formulate what bothered me about the church. I am a much different person since I left. AND much happier.

I am enjoying your site. I look at one topic every day. When I decided to leave the Mormons, I had to be secretive. I did not know anyone else who was "losing their faith." I am so grateful to find that I am not the only one.

Dorene Erickson Heiner (now Cunningham) , resigned from the LDS church in 1998. All four of my children also left within the next year.

I was challenged by Christians to study Mormon history and doctrines that were not available to me as a good Mormon. I graduated from BYU, where I was taught how to do objective research, so I entered the task with an open, objective mind. I was devastated to learn that I had been worshiping a false God, honoring dishonest and immoral men as "prophets", and perpetuating these lies to so many others.

Since the most important thing to me was being "right" with God, I left the church after 6 months of study, prayer and fasting. My husband of 17 years quickly divorced me--he was the Bishop of our Ward at the time I left. I have never been happier since accepting the true Jesus Christ into my life. Praise God for pulling my family out of the deceptive, eternally devastating cult of Mormonism.

Julia Cutler-June,, 2004...still waiting for our öfficial letter from the Church. They had a deadline of June 30th and they blew it! Guess who's gonna get a lawsuit.

I grew up in Utah...my whole extended family is still Temple Mormons. My husband, my two kids and I kept getting tired of doing, doing, doing, and never getting anywhere by kissing the butt of the LDS Gestapo organization. I knew I could never earn my salvation or be a "goddess" their way, and I didn't wan't to try anymore. So we left...YAY!!!!!Guess what, yáll? I found Jesus! I have great Christian friends that helped me to see that Jesus loves me, and died on the cross for my sins..I don't have to be a 100% Visiting Teacher, or pay tithing out the wazoo for the Gen.Authorities Limos to get to heaven! I just had to admit I was a sinner, and give my sins to Jesus. After all, he already paid for them! My life now is awesome, and I give all the glory to God!

Besides, who wants to belong to a church founded by a pedophile? Update - May 2005

Just to let you all know we FINALLY recieved notification from Bro. Dodge that our memberships were removed. We waited a year for our letter, and when I finally wrote again asking what was going on, I recieved a terse note from Bro. Dodge stating they'd removed our names over a year ago in May of 2004, at the request of our former Branch President.

Nice that they bothered to tell US....(can't uyou hear the dripping sarcasm???) but I cannot describe the feeling of joy and release. It's over! Praise God! It's worth it.

If you haven't heard from them KEEP BUGGING THEM. Bug Salt Lake. Bug your former bishops and Stake Presidents with threats of lawsuits and turning to liberal newspapers that hate religion (such as the Washington Post or the Baltimore Sun in our area) work well, too.

Since we are military, I threatened to have the missionaries banned from the Army base we live on, claiming they are harrassing people. Don't be nice. This is war, big time. Let them know a cult wrapped in satanic spiritual priestcraft is unacceptable in your life. Especially if you are a born again believer, such as I am. I realized my name is written on the Lamb's book of life. I could not tolerate having my name on the records of that shameful cult as well. Good luck!! It does happen. I am living proof it does! Be persistent!

Pascale Dauphinais-Bujold, (Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada): Officially resigned June 2004 because the LDS-church rejected my husband (a non-member) and I + tried to break-up our marriage + this church is so full of bullshit that it sends shivers up my spine so... I AM SO PROUD TO BE FREE OF IT THAT I COULD BURST, HOORAY FOR FREEDOM!

David, 2010

David- June 14,2005 - I felt that they could not give me the right info. Such as what is grace, they said it was something we had to work for. Have you ever asked a mormon why they don't read the Holy Bible.

Most will tell you because we read the Book of Mormon that is where you find the answers to your prayers. Not only that when you ask for help from the bishop you have to go work off hours first. When the wife and I have asked the Bishop to help with the rent, he had. The last time I asked for help with the rent I was told that the help was not coming from Salt Lake it was being done through the ward itself.

The bishop stopped by to pay a visit to the wife, and after the conversation we, the bishop and I, walked to his car and he told me to leave my wife. I told him that I could not do that as she is a part of my life that God had for the both of us.

I have always felt that the LDS Church was hiding something because every time I asked a question about the truth about the church they wouldn't tell me, therefore I didn't ask them anymore. I knew in my heart that my Heavenly Father would come and tell me myself. If I have to be lied to then I don't need the church.

Tea Davidson, I sent my letter of resignation Feb.28,2003. I loved it and loved it for many years but after an honest talk with my husband dropped it. I realized it wasn't true and it was too controlling. I was YW president at the time.

Emily Davis, December 1, 2004 After reading, in depth, the history of the church, I found many inconsistencies that I couldn't just let slide (the first vision, for one). I noticed that the church hid a lot of its history, as what I read was VERY new to me (i.e. the fact that JS had over 30 wives). I think my major reasons for leaving, though, were: 1) Polygamy being practiced when there REALLY was NO need for it, 2) the church's treatment of women, and 3) The Mountain Meadows Massacre (the fact that they killed children and INFANTS was enough for me to break all ties to mormonism).

Also, the way my family treats me during times of personal distress does NOT match up with the so-called teachings of the church and/or the teachings of Jesus, whom they profess to follow. Unconditional love does not exist in many mormon families... unless, of course, you stay a good, little mormon and don't make a single mistake in your life. Right. Because living in a bubble is SOOO much better than living in the real world. *sarcasm*

JoAnn Davis (AKA "catnip")- 5 February 2005 - Missionaries appeared on my front porch at a time in my life when I was terribly vulnerable. I have to admit that the friends who came into my life when I joined the church in 1987 helped me to stay afloat when it seemed like I was chained to the Titanic.

I didn't care much for the doctrine itself - I thought it was a crock from the get-go, but I figured that I was the one with the problem, since everybody else seemed so sure about it. This sentiment was reinforced when I went to the temple. This mumbo-jumbo was supposed to be "holy" and "sacred??"

Looking back, I believe now that the only reason that I was supposed to be in the church was to meet the love of my life, whom I probably wouldn't have met anywhere else. We were married in 1991 and are more in love than ever. My "other half" no longer attends TSCC (The So-Called Church) but has not resigned.

I sent my resignation letter to SLC in December of 2004 and got my letter of termination of membership in February of 2005. I now attend a New-Age, New Thought church that promotes spiritual growth rather than retarding it.

Deanna- April 2004

I joined the church when I was 18 and left just before my 28th birthday. I left the church because I felt that it is a dishonest institution and that it did not represent itself fairly to me when I was baptized or had questions. I was Relief Society President of a YSA ward when I resigned. You may view my exit story here: exmormon.org/boards/w-agora/view.php

Deb, 1992

Free at last, free at last, thank god almighty I am free at last!

Debrauk, July 11, 2011

RM temple marriage then Husband and I in UK left due to inaccuracies in church history and doctrine. Couldn't condone what we used to love and gave our all to anymore. One big fat fraud.

Rebecca M. de Haan, 1998, I left, because when I started to think for myself I saw that that church is a big, enormous, horrible hoax.

Jim Densley, March 1999, I recieved my exit letter in March, 1999,and I celebrated! It was a relief to cut the ties that bind. I saw the errors in the LDS doctrine and the oppressive hierarchy, and how it robbed people of life. Specifically, my own life. Leaving core beliefs, even knowing those beliefs are wrong, was very difficult. Although my view had grown beyond the narrow, Mormon perspective, I still found the decision took extensive thought and debate within my own mind.

Finally, I decided that I could not lend my name to an institution that I believe does more harm than good. I could not be passive, simply ignoring my latent membership. Acting under my own free will to end my membership was empowering, beneficial and a focal point for optimistic change. I recommend extraction from oppression. Give no quarter, lend not even your name to those who would keep you in chains.

Del.Ici.Ous- Dec 1, 2006

My GM got me into it. Then she left for a 3 month trip to Utah leaving me in Michigan to think for myself finally and then I was out. :P

Giordan Q. Del Rosario, 11 January 2001; I served a regular LDS Mission at 19 to see for myself if I believed the Church was true. I knew there was something quite wrong with the LDS Church (too conservative, racist, etc.), and decided to give an LDS mission an honest try, but during my mission, I didn't feel the LDS leaders were inspired, but merely reacted (with or against) according to the times they lived in.

January 2001 (Date of official resignation from the LDS Church when I gave a letter to the bishop)

I realized early on as a teenager that there were really a lot of things hypocritical and wrong with the LDS Church. I left the LDS Church after faithfully serving the "required" two-year LDS proselyting mission at 19-21 in 1997-1999 so that no one in the LDS Church can doubt my sincerity and honesty. After a period of difficulty adjusting back to college life and academics, a close family member's death, and a period of debilitating depression that lasted about nine months, I stumbled upon http://www.exmormon.org/ in September 2000, and from researching there and other exmormon websites, my journey out of Mormonism began.

Demon of Kolob- April 5, 2005

Read my story: demon-of-kolob.blogspot.com/2007/06/

Dennis, Aug 2008

I finally figured out the MORmON church was a fraud after church leadership wouldn't do anything about my (now ex) son-in-law after my daughter caught him numerous times surfing the web for porn and humping the carpet (yes - he admitted to humping the carpet). After my daughter used the "D" word (divorce), her worthless bishop never called her again. What's amazing is that the ex-son-in-law as well as his retarded family (his daddy was a former stake president in Virginia) never told my daughter they were sorry or anything. They actually blamed her because she wouldn't continue being married to this nut job. I wish I had done more research before I joined. When you look at the actual facts, I don't know why anyone would believe the crap the MORmON church is peddling. The other thing that's funny is that in the eight years of being a MORmON, you would have thought I would have had some MORmON friends who might have called me to find out why I quit going to church but I never rec'd a call from any of them. They must have been told to stay away from the apostate. I've also asked my former stake president (micheal jones in the arvada colorado stake) for a refund on my tithing but he refuses to answer my emails. Shouldn't they give you your money back if they don't hold up the end of their bargain?

Shiggy Diggit- July 2007

My family and I willingly left the LDS Church during March 2007, and I received confirmation during July 2007 that our resignation (name removal) was processed to completion.

I was raised in the Church--served a mission, graduated from BYU at the top of my class, married in the temple, and so on. I've had doubts about the Church's truthfulness for a long time, though, and I finally decided to leave this year. Thankfully, my wife decided to follow me.

For everyone's enjoyment, follow the link below to a copy of my rather elaborate leaving letter, which details my story and reasons for leaving. As of today, the letter has been used to notify my extended family members, various ward members (including the bishop), and also friends and acquaintances.

www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/discussions/viewthread/2589/

Any comments or feedback are welcome either here or at shiggydiggit-REMOVE-THIS-PART@hotmail.com.

Larry DiLucchio - A Grant, After serving in the Church for thirty years and having been excommunicated by an abusive Stake President when we pointed out he was persecuting a member for personal reasons, I chose not to resubmit to this inane insanity after the man was removed and I and many others he excommunicated were found to have done nothing warranting that action. The dimented man in question had apparrently been promised in his partriarchal blessing he would accomplish great deeds for the church, but only under extreme opposition.

This precluded any chance on his part he could be wrong, When I joined the Church at age 21, I did so to have a family...the rest I just figured would be sorted out in the millineum to steal a phrase.

For those willing to abandon critical thinking skills in regard to religious issues, for those who believe women are second class citizens, and for those who want to believe the Church's version of its history, rather than the accounts of people alive in those times, fare thee well. The hypocracy of always having to twist the facts so they are "right" is a bit too much for me! It is a cult. It is fiction. I'd rather trust in God.

Laura Di Nunno, officially out May 29, 2000 - There were many reasons why I left, First vision stories, J. Smith's lack of credibility, Book of Mormon changes, Book of Abraham, polygamy, Masonry and so forth. What made me write my letter was seeing a poster, that my niece had, of Egyptian gods and goddesses and what they meant. I saw the alligator and what it meant. I thought about what Joseph said it meant and I laughed. What a joke, I thought. I decided at that point that I didn't think the joke was funny and I didn't want to be a part of it anymore. It was, literally, the last straw.

Thomas E. Donofrio), 1-1-02, Read 'em and weep. www.post-mormons.com

Adrienne Alice Doyle ), Resigned October 2002, official confirmation of resignation March 13, 2003. I left after being in for a year, was in an emotionally abusive marriage and after filing for divorce, there was NO WAY I was going to stay in the cult. Now I'm enjoying life Morg-free, and to further piss off them and my ex, I got myself ordained as a minister so I can do SCA wedding ceremonies that are legally recognized in California.

Joe Done- 8 February 2000 - I became inactive in 1981, once I realized the racist doctrine of the church was still intact. The 1978 change in policy to allow descendents of Native Africans full participation was window dressing for political and public relations, similar to the disingenuous 1890 manifesto against the practice of polygamy. The belief of white purity and supremacy is alive and well in church doctrine and culture. It turns out though, as bad as this is, this is one of the more benign problems produced by church systemic, organizational deception.

Happily, my wife soon followed me into inactivity twenty years ago but did not wish to have her name removed. Interestingly, after my name removal, the home teacher called and asked if they could continue visiting. I told him I had no problem with that but I was not the member and he should talk to my member-wife. I handed her the phone and she told him unequivocally, no. Also, my children have subsequently withdrawn from activity.

I did an in-depth study and completed a 150 page document in October of 1999 which contains four sections; my personal philosophy, problems with Mormon doctrine, a rational examination of the Old Testament and scholarly reviews of the New Testament. I wrote it mainly to explain reasons I left the church to my children, grandchildren and whoever is interested. I mailed the document to the Bishop, Stake President and First Presidency along with my letter of resignation. If anyone reading this would like to read the document, I would be happy to attach it to an email.

My personal belief changed from believing Mormon to Atheist resulting from my study, however during the past several years I have undertaken a study of the afterlife and have found what I interpret as convincing evidence of an afterlife supported by multiple-independent testimonies from sources of high integrity, and scientifically based parallels. I totally reject the hateful god of the Old Testament and the puerile god of Mormon doctrine. I lean more toward a spiritual organization and reality which encompasses everything that is. email: j_done@msn.com

Doug, Feb 4, 2008

As with others I could write volumes about the process that led to my request to have my name removed from the membership of the LDS church. Suffice it to say that I felt it was the right thing for me to do after my 3 to 4 year journey into discovering the many truths about the church which were never taught to me (for obvious reasons as they are so damning as to the truthfulness of the church).

The bottom line was that Joseph Smith was in truth not what he claimed to be nor what the chruch now teaches he was and acted in a very fraudulent and devious manner for his own self interests and glory. All the evidence points to this conclusion and I could not deny it.

Therefore at an age of 63 years and after my whole life being a member of this church and doing my best to follow its principles taught to me, I resigned. I come from a long line of Mormons and being a member of the Mormon Church is considered almost a family duty and tradition. My father, a very good man and my hero, was totally active and in high leadership positions his whole life. My other siblings maintain very active membership in the church with one brother now a mission president and another brother teaching religion at BYU Idaho.

I do not look down on any of my family members for continuing in the church at all as I just feel they are just caught up in this all encompassing religion. It is totally understandable to me that they continue like they are. I consider myself an exception to the rule in that I was able to discover the real truths that I did and thus break away from a religion that originated from untruth and fraud.

My journey cost me a near 40 year marriage and has been responsible very possibly for some very negative side effects in the lives of my 6 children. I am now remarried and attempting to live the rest of my life as happily as I can while I strive to discover what the real truths in this life are.

I guess my story continues, I hope for it to work out well for me as well as all those I continue to love and hold dear.

Edu Men- 2000

Finally I got my life on track!. It coast me leaving BYU, lossing a couple of jobs, moving to another country, and now I am on top of the game baby!.

And to think that those bastard professors at BYU said I would never finish a PhD!, Now I get better research than they do!. Loosers

Sincerely:

Mr. I have published in top scientific journals.

Gary Myles Edwards (formerly Gary Edward Church)Resigned April '89, now agnostic/atheist. Less than 2 months of speech therapy enabled me to overcome the stutter that over 20 years of fasting and prayer did not.

The 'ask in faith' cowplop we are fed over the pulpit. If our prayers are not answered the general response is either we lack faith or have a secret unconfessed sin. I'm gay, for years my continued stutter in light of that 