What Happens if You Leave the Mormon Church

Leaving the Mormon Church can be a complex and emotional process that can have significant impacts on an individual’s life. If you are considering leaving the church, it is essential to understand what happens when you make the decision to resign your membership.

What Happens if You Leave the Mormon Church

Here are some of the things that can happen when you leave the Mormon Church:

1) Your Relationship with Family and Friends May Change

Leaving the Mormon Church can be a challenging decision, and it can have significant impacts on your relationships with family and friends who are still members of the church. Read here for guidance on how to tell your family you are leaving the church. Some people may experience strained relationships or even lose relationships with loved ones due to differences in beliefs.

Be patient with yourself and with your family. Initially many people will be upset, but with time they will likely accept your decision. If your family is consistently unkind or even abusive, know you do not owe anyone anything. If you need to end a relationship due to abuse, that is okay. Protect yourself and your heart during this time of transition.

2) You Can Remove Your Name From the Membership Rolls

When you resign from the church, you can remove your name from the membership rolls. This is completed through your bishop or can be done online at www.quitmormon.com. This means that you are no longer considered a member of the church and will no longer receive any communications or invitations from the church.

You do not have to take your name off the membership rolls to leave the church, but many people choose to do this as a way to completely separate themselves from the church.

If you have received temple ordinances, such as endowments or sealings, resigning from the church means that you will no longer be able to participate in these ordinances. This can be a difficult decision for some people, as temple ordinances are considered a crucial part of the Mormon faith.

3) You May Experience a Sense of Loss

Leaving the Mormon Church can be a significant loss for some individuals, as it means letting go of a community that has played a central role in their life. It is essential to take time to grieve and process these feelings and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist.

Fill the hole left by the church with other things that bring you joy. Serve in your community. Reconnect with old friends. Find a new hobby. Spend time outdoors. Exercise. There is so much good in the world outside the box of the church. Take the leap to go explore.

4) You Will Have a New Sense of Freedom

Leaving the church can also be a freeing experience for some people, as it allows them to explore new beliefs and live their life on their terms. It can be an opportunity to redefine your sense of self and live a more authentic life.

This is a great opportunity to learn about yourself and rethink your identity. Buy clothes you like instead of wearing church approved, modest clothing. Get a tattoo. If you are single, date people who you deeply connect with instead of finding someone at church with a good calling who checks all the “right” boxes.

Final Thoughts

Leaving the Mormon Church can be a complex and emotional process that can have significant impacts on an individual’s life. It is essential to understand what happens when you resign your membership and prepare for the changes that may come with this decision. Remember that you are not alone in this process, and there are resources and support available to help you navigate this journey.

Join the r/exmormon community for support.