The Straw That Broke the Back

[Just This Guy]

Today, on our way home from an Episcopal service, DW came across an article talking about RMN's speach to African members that they way out of their cycle of poverty is by paying tithing.

https://www.rawstory.com/2018/04/op-mor ... e-poverty/
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She found this repugnant. On top of everything else that she finds repugnant of the church. That coupled with her new process of trying to find a life system that works for her, she said she finally had enough.

Once home, I sent her a link to quitmormon.com. Five minutes later, while I was working on lunch, she announced that she had submitted her letter and that it was much easier than she expected. To say I was surprised is an understatement. The thing keeping me from resigning long ago is DW and she has been nervous about how her parents will take it. Today she made the leap. Once I had time, I have now submitted my own letter.

So that's it. Now we wait for the confirmation. Feels like both a weight off my shoulders, but nervous what the fallout with our families will be.

[Anon70]

Wow-that is amazing to me. Best wishes to you both.

[DPRoberts]

Congrats on leaving together. Best wishes for your new life 's journey wherever it may go.

[Emower]

Congrats. I am glad you both have moved on. It must feel amazing.

[Brent]

I'd just remind you that you don't have to entertain any visits from the "authorities". You're done. Congratulations.

[GoodBoy]

Feels like both a weight off my shoulders, but nervous what the fallout with our families will be.

I hear ya.

Here's hoping you can move on in life without much baggage.

[crossmyheart]

Wow. Congratulations.

That gives me hope.

[slavereeno]

Wow, I'm super green with envy right now, but happy for you.

[orangganjil]

+1 for Episcopalians!

[hiding in plain sight]

Amazing news. You never know what will be the straw. But one more example that it can and does happen.

[Just This Guy]

I just checked in with the website this morning and found they had confirmation that it was done. That's it. I'm out. I will say that was surprisingly easy. It took less than 5 minutes to fill out of the form online and just under a week and a half (including the Labor Day Holiday) to completely process it. Much faster than the "up to 8 weeks" that they initially predicted.

How do I feel? not sure, about the same as I did two weeks ago. I can't say that there is some huge emotional burden off my shoulders. Maybe it's because I have been out for so long that I've moved passed it. Maybe I just have not had time for the reality to sink into me. Right now, it feels like taking out the trash. It's a chore and is always annoying when you have to work on it. However, when it's done you do have some sense of relief that your house is now a bit cleaner.

[Dravin]

I just checked in with the website this morning and found they had confirmation that it was done. That's it. I'm out. I will say that was surprisingly easy. It took less than 5 minutes to fill out of the form online and just under a week and a half (including the Labor Day Holiday) to completely process it. Much faster than the "up to 8 weeks" that they initially predicted.

I resigned the old fashion way (physical letter to the membership department), they dragged their feet until the full 60 days or what ever it is that they (used?) to wait until they failed to hear back from the Bishop that I'd changed my mind. At one point I was wondering if the letter had been lost in transit or if I messed up the form letter such that they'd ignore it. Sounds like quitmormon.com is quite the streamlining of the process.

How do I feel? not sure, about the same as I did two weeks ago. I can't say that there is some huge emotional burden off my shoulders. Maybe it's because I have been out for so long that I've moved passed it. Maybe I just have not had time for the reality to sink into me. Right now, it feels like taking out the trash. It's a chore and is always annoying when you have to work on it. However, when it's done you do have some sense of relief that your house is now a bit cleaner.

My feelings were mixed, I was out but I didn't leave with my wife so it was part, "Good riddance, glad that's taken care of." mixed with trepidation at her reaction (I was hasty and sent the letter then informed her rather than discussing the move with her first so huge blow up potential).

[Grace2Daisy]

In Hans Mattsson's book, Truth Seeking, he tells of his concerns with the church's direction regarding the church focus on finances. As a 70 he struggled listening to the purpose and direction they were given in SLC.

At times there was something in the tone that Hans had difficulty reconciling with service to Christ; sometimes that seemed a lot like the language he knew from the business world.

For example, the church had run a large publicity campaign in conjunction with the winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City in 2002. Gordon B. Hinckley made a presentation a year later, expressing his disappointment.

"Where is the return on investment?" he thundered. "We have made an investment and there is no visible dividend!" Hans flinched in his seat.

This was the way that the prophet viewed his new members - as a return on investment? On another occasion President Hinckley stated the following: "We need more missionaries in North America. North American's provide a net contribution with their tithing. New members in Africa cost more than they bring in."

Hans wondered how much importance was placed on new members; what was their worth aside from being a statistic; profitable for church finances?

The book is an excellent read. I had no idea the depth of his concern struggles, and how hard it was on his dear wife.

[Red Ryder]

Congrats!

[Just This Guy]

Today I had the first real instance of it sinking in.

On my way to work, I was listening to the Mormon Stories podcast where John Delin interviews Sam Young about his (then) impending excommunication hearing. Today I finally had a sense of relief that I could finally look at this as an outsider and this was no longer my church.

Overall, it's still highly anticlimactic, but the catharsis it at least starting.