Can you tell I'm just a little excited?! ;P *Whew* Okay, it's been a busy week at the home of "intellectual feminist". My lovely daughter turned 18 the same day she found out she was accepted to UC Irvine, big party to celebrate, my youngest gets sick, the Superbowl, etc. etc. I haven't been to RfM for about a week now. On Friday Jan. 28, I sent in my official resignation via email. Yesterday, Feb. 7, I went to get my mail, and there it was, sitting at the top of the stack. I actually didn't open it until a few minutes ago, but it felt thick, and I had a feeling there was more than a letter inside. As soon as I peeked in and saw the little pamphlet that said "First Presidency", I jumped up and down and squeeeed for joy! Of course there's the brief "President ABC will have Bishop XYZ contact you concerning the fulfillment of your request", but thanks to RfM, I know that part is pure BS; a mere formality on their part, and last ditch hoop-jumping. The show's over folks; I'm out. And the cherry on top of it all? Their farewell to me was written Feb. 3, 2011.......my daughter's 18th. It seems I got a gift as well. The very best kind :D So, that's all she wrote. I no longer have any concerns about being lovebombed when I walk into a church building. I'm not a member of that church; as long as my kids wish to be involved and have a special event, I'll visit for them, because I love and support THEM. But there will never be another tithing settlement. There will never be another temple recommend interview. There will never be another compromise of my integrity as I try to raise my hand and sustain something or someone I can't support or condone. Free at last! Free at last!! Thank God almighty........I am FREE.AT.LAST
Aw, thanks everyone :D @crossroads: yes, actually, you can resign by email. A number of others on this forum have successfully done it, and so I decided to give it a try. Only took about a week. I think the email addy for Greg Dodge at Membership Records is available somewhere on the 'how to resign' page; if not, I'm sure it's been archived. I know there's another letter coming, but once they respond to you, and send you the whiney-ass "Come Back, We Still Want Your Money" pamphlet, as far as I'm concerned, it's over and done. The stuff about the bishop contacting me is their own hoop-jumping, has no relevance for me. Hope you, and anyone else ready to resign, has a smooth, swift exit too.
back in January. I got my letter 2 days after I sent my e-mail. The bishop dropped by February 1st and told me he just wanted me to know he was still there for me as a neighbor and friend, that he wasn't going to say anything to any other ward member, and that he wasn't going to try to talk me out of it. I knew he'd be a great guy about it (not like other previous bishops).
It is VERY SIMPLE. There is also a form letter somewhere here on exmo that you can use. (My boyfriend found it or I'd direct you to it.)
Take down the LDS Jesus painting(he won't be offended; he doesn't look like that anyway) or the temple pic and put up a framed copy of the letter from Greg Dodge saying you're out of the Church.
It would be a tremendous conversation starter...or ender.
I know it seems like a crazy hoop to jump through, but until the bishop sends in his form with his signature signaling that he has verified your identity and you wishes, your name remains on the membership rolls of the church. There is no need to meet with him, but at minimum phone contact will most likely be required.
Look at it from the Church's standpoint, they have to verify both your identity and your wishes. Can you imagine the hijinx that would ensue if they removed names based on emails from yahoo accounts?
You will receive a final letter from Dodge when it's off stating that per your request your name has been removed from the membership records of the church.
Good point, SLDrone. I realize how important this is on their end, and that my celebrating is somewhat premature since I'm still on their records, regardless of legalities. It's just that.....I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it ;) And that brings up something that's been discussed at length in previous posts: the issue of what really happens to your name when they confirm your resignation with that final letter. DO they actually remove your name? Or do they just change your status on their membership records but keep your information? I recall reading that some folks have been contacted by them long after officially resigning, which would indicate that you can indeed 'check out' anytime you like, but you can never leave, like the often-quoted Eagles song. @Holy the Ghost: aw shucks, you flatterer ;) @OlMan: I never had any Mormony 'art' in the home, even as a TBM. I liked Gustav Klimt, Van Gogh, Picasso, even Salvador Dali! Most people enjoyed seeing them, but they did manage to raise a few TBM eyebrows ;P
WHen I split up with my ex, I went out in the redrock (Moab) and made a fool of myself, I pretended I was walking around with a ball and chain. I looked like Quasimodo, I really got into it, the dogs were going nuts, jumping around and barking. After I really got the feel for it, gimping around, I then pretended to cut the chain and throw the whole thing off a cliff. I then jumped around and danced and whooped and hollered.
Oh joy oh joy!!! Congrats. I am sure you are on cloud nine. We are happy for you and you are so right- no more tithing settlements or interviews, etc. The ole gang just doesn't have one more to push around. Best wishes.
My letter has been sitting on my dresser for 5 months. It's going to my bishop. I put some personal things in there to him,to let him know he had a part in my leaving. Cocky jerk. I don't know what I am waiting for.I just need to mail it.. I think one concern is I included my 10 and 7 year olds-they even signed their names. I know the bishop will call dh about that.
This is JUST H U G E!!! There are few events that have the impact of your resignation. For the rest of your life, you'll be mentioning your past as BR and AF--before and after
R E S I G N A T I O N
I lift my virtual glass of champagne to you, Sister IF and celebrate you reclaiming your own life.