Recently, some have asked if they could have access to some of the letters that I shared a couple of years ago chronicling and encapsulating my family’s conversion to the Lord and subsequent departure from institutionalized religion. This, along with a renewed desire to experience and testify of His grace, is why I am re-posting this and a few other letters. Some of the writing has been edited to remove references to specific people, while still maintaining the integrity of the original message. It is my hope and prayer that this may be of some help to others who may be struggling to put their own experiences and thoughts into words. Please feel free to use and share as the Spirit guides...
-Rex Pettingill
11 March, 2017
Other letters in this series:
"The Gospel, According to Yoda" (10.22.2014 letter to family)
"Stumbling Over My Beard" (2014 un-delivered letter to Pres. XXXX regarding a Doctrine of Men)
"Walking on Water" (3.16.2015 first public "Coming-Out" letter to friends and family)
"Stumbling Over My Beard" (2014 un-delivered letter to Pres. XXXX regarding a Doctrine of Men)
"Walking on Water" (3.16.2015 first public "Coming-Out" letter to friends and family)
"Names Upon the Altar" (5.19.2015 letter to the Bishop)
"Got Wisdom?" (11.18.2015 post/email about the fruits of repentance and need for rebaptism)
"Got Wisdom?" (11.18.2015 post/email about the fruits of repentance and need for rebaptism)
19 May, 2015
Bishop XXXX,
We understand that according to the current policy set forth by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are consequences associated with the removal of one’s name from the membership records of the Church: it cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member, and revokes the temple blessings. We also understand that only after a thorough interview with the bishop can a person be readmitted to the Church, and this by baptism and confirmation.
Please know that our acknowledging an understanding of these consequences should not suggest that we agree with the doctrinal accuracy of such; rather, we agree and understand that this is the policy of the Church regarding these matters.
Having said and acknowledged thus, we request that our names be removed from the membership records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that any affiliation with any of its various other entities (including the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Intellectual Reserve, Inc.) be terminated as a result of this request.
We request that this action be taken immediately, thus waiving the 30-day waiting period as per policy set forth in 6.14 of Handbook 1. Furthermore, per said policy, this single written request serves as notice to remove from the membership records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the names of all of the family members listed and signed below.
Placing our names upon the altar of sacrifice, and with gratitude and sincerity in the pursuit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we hope and pray for His grace to be upon us all.
With love,
Rex Pettingill
Melendie Pettingill
Khaden Pettingill
McKhayla Pettingill
Khandis Pettingill
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