Kristy and April sit together in Kristy’s Athens Georgia living room to share how they met and April’s story of leaving the church 10 years ago. They’ve been friends for 2 years ever since their daughters became *best* friends in the same school, and only a couple months ago did they find out both had ties to Mormonism. Neither’s countenance gave off particularly Mormon or ex-Mormon vibes (note: sarcasm)–we had no idea. While April doesn’t hide her Mormon roots, she says it just doesn’t come up very much outside the Jello Belt. April’s ancestors were Joseph Smith’s neighbors in Nauvoo, and she left the church after moving from Idaho to Florida as a teenager because she felt something wasn’t quite right about the church’s shame culture. For listeners who are wondering if they’ll ever stop thinking about the Church, or if they’ll always give off Mormon vibes when they’re ready to move on, April’s story provides hope as she’s created a new life for herself and her daughter here in Georgia, still maintaining a positive relationship with her parents too. She reports not thinking about Mormonism very often, 10 years later.
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This has been an encouraging episode but I’d like to hear of someone who lives in “Morridor ” like me who never thinks about the church. Things like the November LGBT policy change make the news here. At work it’s listening to Mormons talk about GC or other church stuff. Mormon neighbors who can’t accept the fact that we are not coming back constantly trying to fellowship us back into the fold. And yes I know they could just be friendly; except that no Mormon on the block ever gave us the time of day, except at church, until after we went inactive.
I know part of it is because of the huge push even members in Utah are getting from the Q15 to reactivate but all of this makes it really really hard to move on. The worst part is the pity they feel for us because thanks to the teachings of TSCC I’m now lost and “less than” in their mind . It’s so irritating to be condescended to. Thanks for letting me vent. In a few years we are moving out of state do hopefully it will get better.
I agree. It’s much easier to move on when you’re not inundated with church talk from friends, family, coworkers, etc. I’m looking forward to leaving Utah in the next few months. Everywhere has problems but it will be nice to wear a sleeveless top and not have that be a statement about my spirituality.