Why does the LDS church make resignation and name removal such a difficult and time consuming process? The church didn’t make conversion, baptism and confirmation so laborious.
Jules
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Hello Jules,
The ability members have to remove their name from the records of the Church isn’t difficult, nor is it more time consuming than a baptism.
A member first initiates their request for name/record removal with a written request to their Bishop. When the Bishop receives this letter an appointment is usually established to meet with the member to make sure the member understands the consequences of their decision. The bishop also explains how the member is able to be readmitted to the Church through proper ordinances.
If the Bishop is satisfied that the member understands the consequences of their decision he will complete a Report of Administrative Action form to the stake president accompanied with the written letter of request.
Once the stake president determines the bishop has fulfilled his responsibility to the member, explaining the consequences of their decision, then the stake president sends the information to Church head quarters. After 30 days the process is completed and the name is officially removed.
If the person sends a letter directly to church head quarters, without consulting his/her bishop, then the stake president is sent a letter. If the stake president doesn’t respond within 60 days the individuals records are removed from the church records.
When we contrast this to a convert baptism, a person preparing for baptism is actually more laborious. The investigator receives at least six lessons. They must attend church at least once before they are baptized. When the lessons have been completed, they must have an interview with a district leader or zone leader. In this interview, the investigator is asked a series of questions. If they answer yes to some questions an additional interview is scheduled with the Mission President. After they have completed this, then the baptism can be scheduled.
When we contrast a born in the covenant member who has not yet turned 9 years old, they should have received for the past 8 years proper training and instruction pertaining to the covenant they will make at baptism. An interview is scheduled with the bishop or one of his counselors, and then if the bishop or counselor determines they are ready, the baptism is scheduled.
It appears, a convert baptism is more laborious than removing your name from the records of the Church.
Gramps
