To: aMorePerfectUnion; All
http://www.wikihow.com/Leave-the-Mormon-Church-Gracefully
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Write out a list of reasons why you are leaving the church, sometimes it helps to have something solid to look at when Mormon family and friends try to convince you otherwise of your decisions.
- Do some research on the actual doctrines and practices of the Church over time. Many people find it is much easier to leave the church once they come to a solid decision. Ask your Bishop for help in making a final decision. He should be grateful to help and hopefully realize that it's a private matter and will keep everything confidential.
- Many ex-Mormons and people considering leaving the church find it helpful to seek out and talk to or read blogs and articles by others who have left the church. Doing so is a good way to expand your understanding of the church and strengthen your resolve. There are many websites, archives, and blogs on the internet which you can turn to to find a diverse and supportive community of people willing to help you make the transition out of the church.
- It's usually not particularly effective to attempt to explain to Mormons why you are leaving, so attempting to help them understand your reasons is likely to only result in frustration and increased friction with the Mormons who remain in your life. Faith does not rely on facts, so presenting evidence to people determined to believe is generally a waste of time and energy.
- Stop going to church and activities. When invited by members to attend, decline politely. If they insist, tell them you'll think about it, and then give it some actual thought. But always remain true to yourself.
- Tell those who ask about you that you appreciate their concern and that you are searching your heart to make decisions that are right for you. Be friendly, but politely and assertively tell them that you will no longer be attending church activities or functions.
- Find something to do that makes you feel good on days you would normally go to church/institute/activities. Talk to people about your feelings if you're feeling guilty/upset. Ask yourself why you feel that way.
- If you're certain that you'll never want to re-join the Church, write a letter to the Bishop and request to have your name removed from church records. The Bishop will most likely want to follow up with you to confirm your decision. Don't just blow him off. Go ahead and talk to him and affirm your decision. This is the fastest way to get your name removed.
To: aMorePerfectUnion
Faith does not rely on facts, so presenting evidence to people determined to believe is generally a waste of time and energy. Boy, isn't that the truth.
735 posted on
10/20/2010 6:27:27 AM PDT by
T Minus Four
(Instead of pretending to BE Christians, why not actually BECOME Christians?)
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