I sent an email on Monday saying we are choosing to resign etc etc. We got our reply saying they are passing our information to the local leaders blah blah blah. I'm particularly fond of the "your basically going to hell because of your decision" line.

I'm also fond of the "invitation" saying to "return to partake of the happiness you once knew. You will find many with outstretched arms to welcome you...." Ha the only reason they will welcome me back is because I'm LDS again and no longer the representation of the devil on this earth.

I've gotta say, resigning has made me happier than anything concerning the church ever did!!

Congratulations on making the move, kabbima. "Outstretched arms" indeed; sounds like an octopus.

Haha, indeed! Thank you, I have to say finally severing ties feels pretty damn good!

I like how you will find many outstretched arms IF you return. If you don't return, you'll find nothing but so many cold shoulders.

I agree nickname! When you break the letter down all it is is fear tactics!

And good luck in the transition. I found this board to be invaluable in dealing with the pain of losing family members and friends after I left.

Thank you!

Please be prepared, your wards Bishop will undoubtedly show up at your door without an invitation...hopefully this will not happen to you..these ppl have no personal boundaries..If you have children speak to them about alerting you of any text or calls they may receive...I wish for you great happiness, but prepare yourself for the harassment that can ensue

I figured as much when I read the letter. Thankfully my hubby and I have both been inactive for 14 years (from the age of 12). We have lived in this ward 5 years and they know we don't go so I'm hoping that will help them do it without the need to pester us. If they choose to then I'll deal with that. My decision won't be changing and they will learn that.

Haha, yeah, nothing so heart-felt and sincere as a form letter.

Mine asked me to please read the included statement... yet there was nothing else in the envelope. So I missed out on some of the form-letter goodness ;)

Oh no! Such a tragic loss!

I'm only sad you missed the opportunity to laugh. If you break it down its pretty pathetic attempt to keep someone. Fear tactics is blatantly apparent.

I'll have to ask someone to save theirs, so I can read it
(obviously followed by a jarring realization of the error of my ways, immediate repentance and rebaptism... hahaha)

Lol, seriously as someone who has never been active in their adult life, and cares nothing for the church it's laughable. I think it really shows their inner workings though!

Congratulation on your resignation.

Hahah, that's the first thing I thought Cheryl! Thank you, I'm thrilled to be leaving! I sent a message to my hubby with the gist of the letter and we had a good laugh. For us it's funny, but the church has never had a significance in our lives. It's tragic to think about those who are having a difficult time leaving, then to have them say that s**t. It's disgusting. :(.