Posted by:
Joe
(
)
Date: October 05, 2010 05:50PM
If you send this letter expect a full interview from the bishop.
There are advantages to resigning (getting your name removed) from the church records. Once you send the letter saying you formally resign they have no authority to take you to church courts, and they can not excommunicate you after you have formally resigned. If excommunication is a concern you may want to resign first.
It sounds like you have a kind bishop whom you respect. You may want to throw in some of the specific doctrinal reasons you disagree with the LDS faith. It might plant seeds that get him thinking about his own faith.
When I resigned I had a very good conversation with my bishop. The process was painless and I made him aware of many facts I had learned about the Jesus of the bible. I left on good terms with him, and still hope he considers me a friend. When I left I told him I really loved my neighbors (living in a 90% LDS neighborhood). I mentioned to him that I hoped it wouldn't affect my good relationships in the community and he promised me it wouldn't. I have strong suspicions that he told my neighbors I was leaving the LDS church and told them to continue treating me as a friend. Since leaving my neighbors have been just as friendly and I do believe they still respect me.
If you are interested here are the basic steps to leave the LDS church:
http://www.mormonresignation.com/