Member Records Division, LDS Church 50 E North Temple Rm 1372 SLC UT 84150-5310
Dear Friend,
I, Michael Wayne Arnold, herewith voluntarily and with full knowledge of the consequences, present my formal resignation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, effective immediately. I therefore request you to make the necessary changes in the church membership records to indicate that I am no longer a member and remove my name permanently and completely from the membership rolls of the church.
The journey out of Mormonism is a difficult one, but after much thought, prayer, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit I am confident and sure of my decision. The Lord in his mercy has led me on a journey of love and enlightenment from which I cannot stray. I have been given new life in His saving grace.
I am aware that according to LDS church doctrine resigning from the LDS church cancels all blessings, baptisms, ordinations, promises, covenants, and my hope of exaltation in the Mormon celestial kingdom, and I have made my decision with that consideration well in mind. I, however, testify to you that through atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ all who have faith in Him will be justified before the Father. He and He alone can save, bless, ordain, covenant, and sustain. Through His unimaginable and unwarranted grace I am saved and will rise after death to live in His presence worshiping Him for all eternity.
I request that no one representing the LDS church contact me for any reason other than to confirm that my request is being processed. In particular I will refuse to speak with anyone from the LDS church that attempts to argue with me about the wisdom of my decision.
It is my understanding that you are required to indicate on your form my reason for leaving. Please state the reason as “At member’s request” or “Doctrinal reasons,” since that is, in fact, the reason. I insist that you should not put there any reason that may be derogatory to me. I wish to assure you that I am not leaving the LDS church because of some personal slight or insult, or because I have sinned or am unable to keep the commandments. I have simply come to the very sad realization that the LDS church is not what it claims to be, that many of its doctrines are false, and that the LDS church is not where I wish to be. Joseph Smith was not a prophet, the Book of Mormon is not true, and the Lord would never allow His gospel to be removed from the earth.
I would like to thank the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the many good memories and, most importantly, for introducing me to the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a follower of Christ I will continue forward as a friend to all those who seek His presence and love.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Michael Wayne Arnold
