There are sites that provide instructions for Mormons to submit their own letters — many former Mormons in r/exmormon have had success doing so — and Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff says the simplest way for a person to remove their name from Church records is to write to their bishop with their request to leave.
Consequences of leaving
Outright apostasy of members will lead to a church disciplinary council, which may result in disfellowshipment or excommunication. However, members who ask for their names to be removed from church records or who have joined another church are not subject to a disciplinary council.
According to a 2019 University of Utah Survey, 61.5% of students who grew up LDS left the church while attending school, with the majority becoming agnostic, atheist, “spiritual but not religious,” or “nothing in particular.”
There are sites that provide instructions for Mormons to submit their own letters — many former Mormons in r/exmormon have had success doing so — and Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff says the simplest way for a person to remove their name from Church records is to write to their bishop with their request to leave.
The Book of Mormon contains this reassuring promise from the Lord: “Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me” (Mosiah 26:30). If you sincerely repent, you can always be forgiven. God wants you to feel the hope and joy that come from receiving forgiveness and trusting in Him.
Mormon marriages are different from most marriages because they are considered eternal. If a husband and wife are sealed together in the temple, they can be together on into the celestial kingdom. However, the church does have a process for annulment and sees divorce as an unfortunately necessary evil.
Alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and drugs
These are all specifically banned in the Word of Wisdom, except for drugs. The prophets have made it clear that drugs, other than for medical use, are also banned. Mormons are also strongly discouraged from drinking soft drinks containing caffeine.
The LDS Church today teaches that tithing is ten percent of one's annual income. It is left to each member to determine what constitutes "income".
Church leadership sent a letter last week announcing that members will have to pay $500 a month starting in July 2020 for missions in 18 countries including the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. That is a 25% increase from $400 a month that has been the rate since 2003.
That's because to gain access to the sacred spaces and saving rituals of a Mormon temple, LDS believers must donate 10 percent of their income to the church. No payment? No entrance.
Kimball stating that the church does not "condone nor approve of" measures of contraception which greatly "limit the family".
The age of 16 simply means you can now begin dating when you feel ready, starting with group dates. “Do not date until you are at least 16 years old. Dating before then can lead to immorality, limit the number of other young people you meet, and deprive you of experiences that will help you choose an eternal partner.”
According to the church, adult Mormons are required to wear special garments, a type of underwear that covers the shoulders and upper thigh, at all times after their first temple visit. However, Section 21.1. 42 of “Handbook 2” states that the garments may be removed for swimming.
Not anyone can actually marry in the temple, but only men and women who are faithful members of the Church. Marrying a non-member is allowed, however, the marriage ceremony cannot be done in the temple.
In keeping with the Mormon belief that heaven is full of millions of spirits awaiting an earthly body, birth control and abortion are also forbidden. Since the female body is regarded as the tabernacle of the spirit and the residence of God's spirit children, a high priority is given to prenatal care.
Marriage to a direct relative (a daughter, brother or sister, or niece) would be incest. However, marrying a wife's relative would not. The relation of first cousins represents the fourth degree of consanguinity and was allowed by Utah law, though forbidden by the traditional standard of Anglican canonical law.
Though not deemed an appropriate part of formal worship, dancing has ever after been an essential element of LDS culture.
Along with activities and programs during the week, Latter-day Saints gather on Sundays for an approximately hour-long “sacrament” meeting, where men, women and younger members offer prayers and give sermons, sing hymns and partake of the sacrament (similar to receiving communion).
The average age of first marriage for LDS Church members is approximately 23, said Jason Carroll, assistant professor of marriage, family and human development at Brigham Young University” (Source).
Mormon women have the specific responsibility to be righteous daughters of God; good, faithful wives; and loving mothers. A woman should give her greatest priority to her home: her husband, her family, and the opportunity to child-bearing. That is her divine mission.
Aside from counseling against “passionate kissing” before marriage (For the Strength of Youth [2011], 36), Church leaders have not given specific guidelines about when kissing is “permitted” for youth.
The church did not — and does not — have any rule about clothing at church, but the cultural expectations of dresses and skirts on women have been strong and fairly uniform. The 2012 pants promotion was intended as the first act of All Enlisted, a group dedicated to increasing gender equity in the church.
One of the Mormons' basic beliefs is that they are called by God to serve others. Thus, practicing members of the LDS Church act under the belief that they are called to give time and expertise to church, society and humanity, the study says.
Come to church–everyone's invited!
Visitors are always welcome. Our Sunday worship services include partaking of the sacrament (or Communion) and participating in Sunday School and other church classes.