who lives in Southern California, who didn't know I had resigned.

First question out of his mouth: What Ward you in?

That opened the door for me to tell him about several reasons for leaving the church.

His comment: I'm sorry.

My response: Don't be sorry, I am happier than I have been in my whole life without the church making me feel bad that I can never do enough.

His comment: Was it the prop 8 controversy?

My response: No, I resigned way before that.

His response: I have had many discussions with members of my ward who had issues with that.

My response: Yes, I understand many members have left because of that issue, and I further understand the church is bleeding members.

His response: Not here in our area, we are growing rapidly, the church is full every Sunday.

Yeah, I believe that one.......

I don't believe that one unless you're in an area of Spanish speaking Exmos. I'm glad people are leaving because of Prop 8.

DOUBTFUL!

What probably happened is that they closed another ward in his stake and sent half of the members to his ward--without telling him! ; )

But seriously, the only "growth" being experienced in the vast majority of wards in Southern California is through member move ins, births and redrawing of boundaries. The stake I grew up in, in Southern California, recently lost at least one ward to local member shrinkage. Many Mormons are leaving California for Utah--I know several families in my old Southern California ward where this is the case.

Why don't you ask your Bishop acquaintance how much of the growth he speaks of is due to converts--something like "How many converts who have been baptized into your ward over the last five years are still attending?" Now there's a question I like to see honestly answered!

Great, less total area for the member-janitor-specialists to clean.