A Mormon bishop and his wife were my neighbors, before my divorce. I had known them for years. I admired the strength of their family. The bishop seemed like the father I never had. So, after my divorce, they invited me to their church. For weeks, I took lessons at the bishop’s home- with the Mormon Bishop and two Mormon missionaries.
I was at a very vulnerable point in my life. I wanted to belong someplace. I was a single mom, with no family in my city.
So, I went to the Mormon church and finished all the lessons. There were things that concerned me about the church services. I rarely heard the name of Christ spoken. Almost without exception, testimonies began with a statement of belief that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I was told that there are three heavens. I was also told that God, in the flesh, impregnated Mary.
I did eventually decide to join the church. The day before my baptism, a family member called me and told me about the Mormon belief that God has a wife and lives on another star (Kolob,) and men can become gods. I was so shocked; because none of this was discussed in the lessons-except a passing mention of exaltation-with no clear explanation.
So, I called the Bishop’s house and spoke to one of his daughters. I asked if these beliefs were true, and she admitted that they were. I was really shaken, but I did proceed with baptism. After the baptism, things became very strange. Every time I tried to read the Book of Mormon, I would feel ill–as if I were in a place of darkness.
Then one evening, I heard a knock at my door. It was a friend of mine who drove from another state for a surprise visit. During her stay, I told her that I had been baptized into the Mormon church. She told me she had taken the lessons many years ago. She also told me she found one of Joseph Smith’s early books. Smith actually wrote that he believed Adam was god.
I knew I had to break the connection with the Mormon church as quickly as possible. So, I called the bishop’s wife and told her I did not want any further connection with the Mormon church. She came to my house and asked me why. I told her all the things I had learned about the Mormon beliefs. She acknowledged that they were all true.
When I told her about Joseph Smith’s writings that revealed his belief that Adam was god, she could not deny that either. She said she was familiar with the “Adam/god theory.” I told her I felt that I had been deceived. During the lessons, I was told that the Mormon church is a Christian church–with the same beliefs in God and Jesus as other Christian Churches.
It didn’t end there; members of the church kept calling me and showing up at my door. I kept telling them I was not coming back to the church and to please stop contacting me.
It still didn’t stop. I received phone calls. I received things in the mail-which I marked “return to sender” and left for the Postman. Then, I started receiving things in the mail with no return address-a clear attempt to get me to open the package.
I finally had to write a formal letter to the church–telling them I wanted my name removed from their records, and would consider any further contact harassment—(though I had been harassed, since the moment I told them I was not coming back.)
I recently found some websites that give guidance and sample letters for those who wish to leave the LDS Church. One letter included a statement, “The LDS church shall NOT use my name in baptismal (or other) ordinances for the dead.”
The following is a letter to the LDS Church, by a Mormon resigning from the LDS Church and asking to be removed from all records. Notice concerns of potential proxy temple rites, after death-even though he formerly left the church.
Today, I called the Member Records Division, LDS Church, 1-800-453-3860, x22053. Brother ??? (refused to give his name) looked up my name and said they received my letter of resignation, and it was processed in May 1997.
I asked Brother ??? if he would send me a copy of my letter of resignation. He refused, saying my letter is now “property of the church.”
I asked him how my name appeared in LDS baptismal records, or any other rites performed for me. He said he was not allowed to give me that information.
I told him I am aware that baptisms and other rites are performed by proxy. He told me this would not be done,** “while you are still living.”** I told him I did not want rites performed by proxy after my death; and that I would send a letter stating the same. He was silent on the issue.
So, even though I clearly rejected Mormonism in life, my name would still be there for the LDS church to use as they see fit, once I am deceased. This is so disturbing. The disrespect is astounding. IMHO, this is a violation of religious freedom in our great country.
I am working on my letter to forbid any LDS proxy work, on by behalf, after my death.
God, forgive me for ever straying from your Christian flock,
Anna
