My parents are Mormon's and as you would expect made me a mormon too. Even when I was very young I realized their stories didn't add up (Native Americans are really the lost tribes of Isreal. The earth is only 6,000 years old. Etc. REALLY!???). I think now that we are in the 21st century it is time for us all to realize that religions are made by people to explain the things that they can not fully understand in their particular point in history. Many were developed naturally with good intentions, but they are still just human stories (Yes, that means your religion too, whoever is reading this). Mormonism is a little different, though, it was created deliberately to manipulate people, as were many other "religions" like scientology. I have not been an active member from as soon as I had a choice, but have remained technically a Mormon.

Until today. Below is my formal letter of resignation.

Name: Benjamin Abraham Tolman

Born: November 13, 1979


To:
Member Records Division,
LDS Church
50 E North Temple Rm 1372

SLC UT 84150-5310
This letter is my formal resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it is effective immediately. I hereby withdraw my consent to being treated as a member and I withdraw my consent to being subject to church rules, policies, beliefs and 'discipline'. As I am no longer a member, I want my name permanently and completely removed from the membership rolls of the church.

I only became a member because I was forced into it when I was a child. Even when I was young I was wise enough to realize the shameful way this church manipulates people's minds with the lies told by Joseph Smith so many years ago. I control my own fate, not a immortal fascist from outer space as you claim. I understand what you consider the 'seriousness' and the 'consequences' of my actions. I am aware that the church handbook says that my resignation "cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member and revokes temple blessings".

My resignation should be processed immediately, without any 'waiting periods'. I am not going to be dissuaded and I am not going to change my mind.

I expect this matter to be handled promptly, with respect and with full confidentiality. 

After today, the only contact I want from the church is a single letter of confirmation to let me know that I am no longer listed as a member of the church.




Sincerely,


Ben Tolman